Mindfulness helps us to slow down and behave effectively, rather than impulsively.
In most cases, unless there is a direct threat to our safety or to the safety of someone close to us, acting out of anger creates more problems than it solves.
Mindfulness allows us to pause, which creates time to decide on an appropriate course of action.
It helps to remain focused on the goal.
For example, when we leave our home in the morning, the goal is to get to work or school safely. If another driver on the road cuts us off or drives in a reckless manner, we may feel the urge to retaliate against the other driver.
In this instant, our goal changes from getting to our destination safely to getting even with someone who violated our boundaries.
Even though the urge may be to retaliate against the other driver, this behavior is not likely to be effective. When confronted with anger, people usually respond in kind, and the situation escalates. We have then been diverted from the goal of getting to our destination safely.
Behaving effectively requires that we remain in wise mind, practice the mindfulness skills of observe, describe, be non-judgmental, and be one-mindful.
We over-ride urges to defend our sense of competence, pride, or self-worth in order to achieve our goal. The skillful behavior is to stay focused on the goal, which often involves humility, acceptance, and willingness.
Behaving effectively is about doing what works to achieve the desired outcome. This often means recognizing, but not giving in to urges or impulses.