The Reiki Precepts are a set of guidelines by which we may live our lives, and combined with Reiki healing, offer us a path to enlightenment. Over the next few weeks, we will explore how we can put the Reiki Precepts into action.
Today, let’s explore the Precept “Don’t get angry”.

Anger is a secondary emotion, which we experience when we have failed to recognise an underlying emotion or need. We may re-act with anger when we fail to acknowledge emotional triggers, such as fear or disappointment. Becoming aware of our full range of emotions enables us to act on the triggering emotion, rather than re-acting with anger.
You can become more emotionally self-aware simply by, throughout the day, asking yourself: ‘how am I feeling right now?’

When we find ourselves frequently angry with the same person, we need to explore that relationship and ask ‘why do I feel angry?’ Underneath the anger we may find feelings of distrust, disappointment, fear or frustration. Are these feelings caused by our own (perhaps unreasonable) expectations? Remember: expectations are planned disappointments!

When we experience anger, our first physical response is to clench our fists. Our brain sends a signal to our hands to close into a fist, and in doing so, we complete the circuit, confirming our emotional response is anger. Keeping your hands open, pressed flat on your body, will short circuit your brain and give you time to think.

This Reiki Precept isn’t just about anger management. It teaches us to become emotionally self-aware and there for more self-disciplined. Our emotions are there to guide us, not dominate us. Buddha taught his students to be mindful of all they said, did, thought and felt. Learning to meditate, taking the time to be mindful, will aid you in your self-development.

If you would like to know more about how Reiki can help with anger management, please get in touch, using the contact form on the Reiki Precepts page.