Break Free from Anger and Aggression

"Anger and aggression are pervasive among humans. That's no surprise, since anger is an ancient response that is built into the brain. Getting angry can even be a cocktail of brain and body hormones, leading to compulsive behavior. For instance, there is a known link between substance use and anger. Historically, anger and aggression may have served as useful survival skills. But in the modern world, these behaviors often cause fear and suffering."

"he said that mindfulness is "good for anger management because it's about attacking the root of desire and aversion, of any kind of activity [by which the mind reacts] for or against." Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita describes mindfulness as a deep awareness of body, sensations, mind, and emotions. What is more, this is an awareness that comes with impartiality. Because mindfulness doesn't take sides, the mind notices all events objectively, even depression, anger, and frustration, and knows them to be transient states."

Anger and aggression are common human responses rooted in ancient brain mechanisms and hormonal reactions. These responses can produce compulsive behavior and can be linked with substance use. Anger and aggression may have had survival value historically but often produce fear and suffering in modern life. Habitual reliance on anger to achieve goals can be counterproductive for physical health and relationships. Mindfulness fosters deep, impartial awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions and recognizes anger and frustration as transient states. Mindfulness interrupts automatic, knee-jerk reactions by creating mental space and can significantly reduce anger and aggressive behavior.

Read at Psychology Today