Discourses on the 5 Principles: First Principle

Blessings everyone. I am finally getting around to posting my own discourses on the Five Principles. These will be brief, my take on them and open to your comments and responses.

Just for today, do not be angry.

I must admit, anger has been a close companion for many many years. Not that I intentionally cultivated anger or sought it out, it's just that circumstances in life left me walking hand-in-hand with a boat-load of anger. Here's something I've learned. Anger leads to resentment. Resentment is anger that we have become attached to. We nurture it. Feed it. Keep the bonds strong. Even when we don't intend to.

So what's the solution? For me, prayer and forgiveness. Prayer meaning a continual seeking of the presence of the divine through regular spiritual practice. Forgiveness is the conscious commitment to love and compassion. Has someone wronged me? I love them and engage in compassionate response. Not that I sweep things under the rug. I tell the person, "I feel wronged and it hurts me" and then I love. I pray for them to be well and have a beautiful life. I engage them respectfully when we interact. And I foster my connection with the divine light and love that infuses all beings.

Just for today, I will not be angry. I vow to cultivate peace in my life and in the world around me.

Bright blessings