Things that irritate you
and how to use them for greater calm
Irritate
-to disturb the peace of mind
-to provoke anger, impatience or displeasure
Why do we get irritated?
It helps us feel superior to others.
It hides our insecurities.
We grew up around irritable people. They were our role models.
What are some causes of irritation?
Too Much Noise
Not Enough Noise
Not Getting What We Want
Getting What We Want
Things That Are Not True
Things That Are True
Everything
Nothing
Irritability is a habit and condition. It is a choice we make.
(This idea is probably irritating.)
Things that can help
If your irritation is caused by a person, send them compassionate thoughts. The same applies if you irritate yourself.
Ask yourself if you are really irritated or you are just acting out of reflex and conditioning.
Ask yourself if the irritation is identifying an essential truth, and then be grateful for it.
Try saying this each night before bed
From The Bed Time Sh’ma
(translated by Rabbi Jonathon Sacks)
I hereby forgive anyone who has angered or provoked me or sinned against me, physically or financially or by failing to give me due respect, or in any other matter relating to me, involuntarily or willingly, inadvertently or deliberately, whether in word or deed: let no one incur punishment because of me.
Rabbi Aaron Bergman's Blog 