Turn frustration and anger into peace and composure

Family First | VoiceAmerica™

Parents have lots to feel upset about today, with pressure from the economy, pressure from jobs, pressure from the normal responsibilities at home which don’t diminish with these other added pressures, and then extra pressure to have their children succeed in school so they won’t be unemployed, plus daily pressure from advertisers to keep up with the social competition. No wonder parents’ patience can wear thin and anger begins to affect family relationships. Kids too get angry. They feel pressure to achieve, feel the stress of keeping up, and have less time and support from parents.

My guest this week is Jules Shuzen Harris Sensei, a leader in the teaching of Zen Buddhism, and the founder and Vice Abbot of Soji Zen Center in Lansdowne, PA. Buddhist philosophy has grown in popularity over the last fifty years because of its unique approach to handling powerful emotions through methods to calm the mind and relieve our stress, which methods Shuzen will share with us.

To hear the show live online, click on the above link at 1 pm PT/2 pm MT/3 pm CT/4 pm ET. The show is also archived for on demand, download, or podcast.

Jules Shuzen Harris Sensei received Shiho from Enkyo Roshi at the Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut and became her second Dharma successor. Shuzen is a member of the Zen Peacemakers Sangha, the Soto Zen Buddhist Association, and the American Zen Teachers Association. Shuzen is a Soto Priest who has practiced Buddhism for more than 25 years. In August 2006, Shuzen received Hoshi from Enkyo Roshi at the Grail. In May 2002, Shuzen, an assistant teacher at Kanzeon Zen Center, Salt Lake City, UT, received Denkai (transmission of the precepts) from Genpo Roshi, Abbott of the Center.

Jules Shuzen Harris holds an Ed.D. with a concentration in applied human development. As a psychotherapist, Shuzen has found creative ways to synthesize Western psychology and Zen to achieve dramatic results for patients and students. He also holds black belts in Iaido (the use of a samurai sword) and in Kendo (Japanese fencing). He founded two Japanese swordsmanship schools in Albany, NY and Salt Lake.

To enjoy Jules' insights live, click on the above link this Friday at 4 pm ET/3 pm CT/2 pm MT/1 pm PT. The show is also archived for podcast, on demand, RSS, and download anytime.

Randy Rolfe's Take Home Tip: Thomas Jefferson said to count to ten when your blood starts to boil. Most of the things that make us angry are just things over which we have no control when we thought we did. Rethink the situation and don't let outside circumstances change your inner state of peace and joy! Remember, your example is more powerful than you can imagine for how your children will later handle their circumstances.