Anger

Anger is a drug. It stimulates the body's hormonal responses when allowed to escalate into a raging tantrum. It provides a high. It also brings the temporary secondary gain of inducing fear in the object of that anger. This is all basic animal behavior. Getting hooked on anger is easier for some than for others. Those who do become addicted to their anger tend to become isolated and depressed over time, unless they have the misfortune of pairing with another anger addict or a masochist. Taking control of anger is perhaps the most powerful tool on the way to mindful human evolution. When recognized and harnessed, the natural anger response is a generator of tremendous energy for change. This is the basis of martial arts, for example. My practice includes learning to harness my anger and to deflect the anger of others.