Animals Don’t Respond Well to Anger

Animals don't respond well to anger. For that matter, children don't respond well to anger either, or adults either. Or friends, or spouses, or co-workers, or bosses. No one, no living thing really responds well to anger.

People try to impose their will onto others through their anger; as if trying to make a dog mind them will work better if they impose their will on it; as if a child will behave better if they impose their will on them, as if others they interact with will respond better. When someone imposes their will on you, very likely you bristle with indignation, and revolt and rebel. When someone uses their anger at you to coerce you into doing their will, you feel as if your own person has no worth, your own actions, beliefs and values mean nothing; all that is present is that anger, and it is so fruitless.

The way to change anything is through love, not anger. Anger stymies and chokes, it causes indignation and aggression to srping up, even in docile and non-aggressive beings. Anger is completely stagnant. It's purpose is self-serving - it keeps us feeling bad, it makes sure nothing changes.

Animals don't respond well to anger, but they respond really, really well to love. Even the saddest cases have been redeemed by love, kindness, grace, caring. Humans respond really, really well to love, too. Giving someone time is an incredible gift of love. Listening intently, hearing the joy of the moment, being present with someone - - these are things people respond to.

The thing about anger is that deep down, we are always angry at ourselves. So figure it out. What right do we have to go around maiming people with our anger? Zero. Take responsibility for your life, change what doesn't work, be present. These are the things that release anger completely and allow you to live the highest and best you can be - and for sure the highest and best you can be is not angry. You can do it; you deserve it, and so does the planet.

Blessings.
- Darshan

© 2008 /Darshan F Jessop