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Angry, to be or NOT
Submitted by: Jaap Roskam
AustraliaI am a photographer who migrated from Holland to Australia. As young press photographer saw quite some un-nerving events in my life. I grew up in a working class area in a strong religious family. Later as wedding photographer I saw many religions from up-close. But eventually left 'the church' after I noticed all the 'cheating' by the 'believers'. But somehow never lost interest in good ideas and was open to something like the Secret , read the books of Khalil Gibran and the Dalai Lama. But never found 'it' until a short line of text ......
Some time ago authorities had planned a motor racing event in our very natural area.
The Tweed Valley is known for its exceptional natural wonder, there are many National Parks. The least likely place to have such an event. I was so angry I did not sleep. During this same time (before during and still happening ) my marriage is about to end. Anger all over the place. I could not sleep 🙂
All my seriously painful anger about all this changed at a moments notice when I read a book by the Dalai Lama. In it was a line of text that changed my life. In short he said: “Be never angry, your anger does not affect your enemy, it never reaches your enemy, it only eats you within. ” Anger he said costs you energy which you better use for a good cause. That made me think….. and sleep sound.
I now try to approach conflict situations with peaceful words and love. I still often fail, more than 50 years being immersed in anger do not leave without a mark. But I am learning and see that simple sentence “Be NOT angry” in the sky written before me all the time. If I can not solve a conflict with peaceful remarks or giving love…. so be it. I do not have to share anger. There are so many other happy moments, events, persons, places to share . The Dalai Lama’s lesson “be NOT angry” is the strongest message any religious leader ever can express. Love: Jaap