We all experience moments of frustration at work and in our daily life.
Sometimes they provoke bouts of anger.
Should we try to manage it as Controlling Anger — Before It Controls You suggests by changing the way we express it, work on what caused it and change our timing as to when to discuss touchy subjects.
The piece also reminds us that we cannot control everything. Traffic jams will happen and make us late to work for example.
We cannot either solve every problem that arises.
Avoidance is suggested in some instances (say a kid messy room) and the importance of personal space quoting a working mother "who has a standing rule that when she comes home
from work, for the first 15 minutes "nobody talks to Mom unless the
house is on fire." After this brief quiet time, she feels better
prepared to handle demands from her kids without blowing up at them".
Another approach is highlighted in Feeding Your Demons by Tsultrim Allione (Little Brown).
Subtitled ‘Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict‘ it suggests that by feeding our demons we can soothe them and convert this energy drain into new fuel.
Her technique is inspired by an 11th Century Tibetan Woman practice.
Wisdom Books offers a synopsis of this tome.
I am not a Buddhist or Zen specialist by any stretch of the mind.
I did think that Feeding your demons was worth a thought.
In some cases changing surroundings might be the best choice for the sake of our health and sanity.
Monday Work Etiquette #38
Previously: Is the Foundation for Good Work Leisure rather than Meaning
Related: Don’t Loose Your Marbles at Work, Rickki don’t Loose That Temper