Mindfulness is a popular buzzword these days and for good reason. This ancient practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and boost overall well-being. However, despite its many benefits, meditation can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Mindfulness can be uncomfortable because it asks us to sit with our thoughts and feelings, even the difficult ones. This can bring up discomfort and resistance as we confront parts of ourselves we may have been avoiding. However, we can work through these feelings and develop greater self-awareness and resilience by acknowledging and accepting them.
This article will explore why mindfulness can be challenging and how to cope with that discomfort.
What is mindfulness?
Before diving into mindfulness’s challenges, let’s first define what it is.
Essentially, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without judgment. It’s a way of training your mind to be more focused and attentive, which can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Why is mindfulness uncomfortable?
While the benefits of mindfulness are clear, the practice can also be uncomfortable at times. Here are some of the reasons why:
Requires focus and attention
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions, it can be challenging to sit still and tune in to our inner experiences. Mindfulness requires a significant amount of focus and attention and practicing it may lead us to become more aware of the tendency of our minds to wander and become distracted.
This can be uncomfortable because it requires us to continually redirect our attention back to the present moment and let go of any distractions or judgments that may arise.
Brings up difficult emotions
Mindfulness encourages us to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, even the difficult ones. When we’re truly present with ourselves, we may become more aware of feelings we’ve been avoiding or suppressing. These emotions can also trigger a sense of vulnerability and discomfort. If we are not used to being open and vulnerable, the process of exploring our emotions can feel daunting and overwhelming.
Challenges our beliefs and values
As we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, we may start to question long-held assumptions about ourselves and the world around us. When we practice mindfulness, we are encouraged to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, and this can bring to light the ways in which our values and beliefs may be limiting us. If we hold onto rigid beliefs and values, it can be difficult to remain open and receptive to new experiences and perspectives.
Practicing mindfulness forces us to question our assumptions and biases, which can trigger feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. If we have built our sense of identity around these beliefs or values, questioning them can feel threatening to our sense of self, and can create resistance and discomfort in the mindfulness practice.
Can cause physical discomfort
When we practice mindfulness, we are encouraged to focus on the present moment, including our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. However, if we are experiencing physical discomfort, it can be difficult to maintain this focus and stay present.
Physical discomfort can manifest in a variety of ways, including pain, tension, and discomfort in the body. These sensations can be caused by a number of factors, such as poor posture, muscle tension, or an injury. When we experience physical discomfort, our minds may become preoccupied with the sensations in our bodies, making it difficult to fully engage in the present moment.
Resistance to change
Mindfulness practice often involves becoming more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can bring to light areas of our lives that we may need to change in order to experience greater well-being and fulfillment. However, if we are resistant to change, this awareness can feel threatening and uncomfortable.
When we resist change, we often do so because we fear the unknown or fear losing our current sense of self. This can make mindfulness feel uncomfortable because it creates a sense of tension between our desire for growth and our fear of the unknown
Coping with the “weird” sensation of mindfulness
While discomfort is a natural part of the mindfulness practice, there are ways to cope with it:
- Accept and acknowledge the discomfort. Try not to get too caught up in your discomfort or judge yourself for feeling uncomfortable. Instead, recognize that discomfort is a natural part of the process and that it may pass with time.
- Understand the benefits of discomfort in mindfulness. Just like with physical exercise, pushing through discomfort can lead to growth and improvement. If we never challenge ourselves, we’ll never progress.
- Breathe through it. If you’re feeling uncomfortable during mindfulness practice, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Focusing on your breath can help to ground you and bring you back to the present moment.
- Take a break. If the discomfort persists, take a break from mindfulness practice. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself permission to take a step back if needed.
- Practice self-compassion: Remember to be kind to yourself during mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a journey, and it’s natural to experience ups and downs along the way. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.
- Seek support from a mindfulness teacher or community. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort during mindfulness practice, consider talking to a mindfulness teacher, community or therapist. They can help you explore the discomfort and guide you on how to work through it.
By using these strategies, you can learn to cope with the weird sensation of mindfulness and continue to reap the many benefits of the practice. Remember, mindfulness is a journey, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
