Don’t Be An Exploding Ant
I don’t typically read scientific articles about newly discovered insect species. But I couldn’t resist checking out the article titled, “Meet the ‘exploding ant,’ which sacrifices itself for its colony.”
For those of us who are not particularly fond of ants, it’s a bit concerning to learn about the colobopsis explodens, or the ‘exploding ants.’ These ants that dwell in the jungles of Southeast Asia have an interesting form of self-defense. They literally blow themselves up. But they really explode in an attempt to protect their colony. So it’s like a form of colonial-defense. The scientist points out that “these ants will not explode for any old reason. They only do it in response to an attack, a “form of active self-sacrifice” that kills them. The ants need to “really be provoked.”
This explosive behavior struck me as similar to something humans can be apt to do when they feel threatened. For us homo sapiens, provocation can elicit stress. Stress can generate anxiety. Anger can sometimes be a response to anxiety. And when we are under significant amounts of stress and anxiety our anger can appear as explosive. Our personal detonation in anger can lead to negative health effects as well as disastrous consequences on our relationships.
Just like the ant that is focused on the colony, we are focused on our families and closest relationships. We are focused on the things that bring us security. We diligently work to give our children and our loved ones a good home and a bright future. When that gets threatened it can produce tremendous anxiety. If that anxiety is not appropriately managed it can sometimes lead to explosive anger. The results of that explosive anger can be even more harmful than the originally perceived threat.
The colobopsis explodens was designed to protect the colony through this unique defense mechanism of self-exploding. You have other ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. But you first must appropriately manage the stress and anxiety and fear and anger that comes with perceiving a provocation and threat. Find effective and healthy outlets for those emotions. Pray, meditate, exercise, talk with someone, create something, do what helps you calm down. I can promise you that it is much better than exploding.
