Christina Perske

One summer morning I was on my usual drive to work. Leaving my driveway that day I turned left, rounded a bend and was slowed to a crawl by the vehicle ahead; a small, red pickup truck of fifties vintage. Patiently, I followed at a respectful distance, thinking surely the driver would turn off soon…

I could not pass due to double yellow lines and no visibility, but the truck only went slower and slower, and the slower it went the more I fumed. Gradually, I worked this into a steam of anger until my car’s interior was echoing with loud words of resentment toward this “inconsiderate” driver ahead who was taking liberties with my life, yes, MY LIFE! How dare this person block my way, drive under the speed limit and be so rude as to ignore my need to pass?

Anger can be a big emotion that generates a lot of energy and takes a lot of our attention. Often, in the midst of this karmic whirlwind we fall prey to losing control and do or say things we regret and are ashamed of; like shouting inside our cars at other motorists. We may think it’s not damaging because no one hears it. However, we, ourselves hear it and are harmed. Unwittingly we are indulging in suffering: anger is suffering itself.

Issue: only available as part of Journal, Winter 2018 pdf to download

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