Silent Treatment

Most of us don't like to lose our temper. Our ego always prefers a situation of cool control. Unfortunately, controlling this is easier said than done.

Our sages suggest many different practical approaches to assist a person in a bout with temper. The Orhot Tzadikim suggests silence. When you start to boil-- keep your mouth closed. Silence is to anger what water is to fire.

A Rabbi who was counseling a couple who constantly argued gave them a bottle of water. He told them it was special water called "Shalom water".

The woman asked, "How do we use it? Where do we sprinkle it?"

"You don't sprinkle it", replied the wise advisor. "Whenever you are about to scream at your spouse in anger you should fill your mouth with this Shalom liquid and hold it in your mouth for ten seconds before swallowing. By the time you are able to scream you probably will calm down enough to forget about whatever it is that was aggravating you."

If you just can't keep the lid on, try speaking in a low tone. This should have a calming effect on you.

Another cure that is effective is to look in a mirror. Anger is ugly. You definitely look better with a smile on your face,

Today when you are on the brink put your mental camera into action. Look in the mirror of your mind and kill that temper before it takes over your entire being. It is a minute that will save you hours of aggravation.

Text Copyright © 2003 Rabbi Raymond Beyda and Project Genesis, Inc.