“When your rage is choking you, it is best to say nothing.”

—Octavia E. Butler, late American science fiction author

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

How familiar are you with the Heimlich maneuver? You’ve probably seen it performed on TV in both dramatic and comedic situations. Did you know that you can even perform a variation of this procedure on yourself?

Dislodging an item of food to reopen an airway to breath is serious stuff. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves choking with strong emotions that, if released, can make a situation far worse.

EXERCISE:

Where have you or others in your life opened mouths and inserted feet or caused other difficulties?

Where and when is it best to say nothing when choked with rage or other strong emotions?