Anger: Part 2 - The Search for Wholeness

Katherine touches on two of the common ideas running through the psycho-spiritual literature, the psychological mechanism of projection and the separation of others from self through our own narrow ego-centered view of the self.

We often become angry when faced with a situation that touches some aspect of our being that we have suppressed into an unconscious or semi-conscious form because it threatens us or our self-justification for living.

For example, when I get angry over loud music blasting through our neighborhood, there is a nerve being touched that is deeper than the aggravation of the noise. I resent the lack of consideration that this neighbor has for the rest of us, his neighbors that share the same space that he does.

However, part of the problem is that I was raised to be considerate to others, possibly to a fault. As I result I cannot stand inconsiderate behavior in myself or others. Sometimes I suppressed my feelings, as for example, when I befriended other children who were ridiculed or left out of the group at school for various reasons.

On the surface this is a "nice" thing to do, but on the other hand I sometimes became involved in relationships with children--especially as a teenager--with whom I had nothing in common except this bond. I often spent hours doing more what they wanted to do than I did in order not to hurt their already bruised feelings. And, yes I resented it. . .secretly.

So, I am projecting my own preoccupations with inconsiderate behavior off on my neighbor. Certainly the old expression, "touched a nerve, didn't I" is appropriate here. The noise may be an external stimulus, but the real anger is due to my suppressed resentments over past behavior and interpersonal situations.

So much modern psychology is similar to many of the ancient teachings of most spiritual paths. Both the psychologist and the mystic see the problem as one of separation from the essential self and creation of an adversary of self or other upon which to project our suppressed fear and anger. The Buddhist masters especially address this issue well:

Anger is based on believing. . .somebody created this problem; this happened because of this person. . .Even if we don't use the word God, we still believe someone else created the problem.

These words by a modern Buddhist master are similar to modern psychologys mechanism of projection. That anger is in me--not anyone

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