Why mindfulness can become overwhelming

If you have been practicing mindfulness for a while, you might end up like giving up at some point. All these thoughts seem to overrun you and it feels like they haven't been there before. That, suddenly, things seem to get worse than they have been.

Nothing has changed compared to before you started practicing mindfulness. You're still living the same life with the same habits, unless you have changed something. What has changed is your consciousness. Now you realize everything that has always been there unconsciously. And yes, it can be a shocking experience. To me, at least it was.

Before pursuing our usual reaction when something feels uncomfortable; Let's have a closer look at it.

Unconsciously, you always have been struggling with these thoughts and the emotions they cause. The advantage you gain while being mindful is that now you're in control and no more a slave to your mind.

It might feel worse than it was before, but think about the following:

While those thoughts and emotions unconsciously dragged you on for hours, days, weeks; Now can let go much faster, creating room for whatever life has on its plate for you next.

“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own souls. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” ― Carl Jung

After all, remind yourself that life isn't about 24/7 sunshine, neither will practicing mindfulness get you there. But instead of remaining stuck in unconscious repetitions of your mind, you're freeing yourself up for beautiful moments that otherwise would stay in front of a closed door.

Train yourself in accepting and let go of everything no matter the judgement.

Positive experiences:

Enjoy them, the way you always did, and when it's time to go, let them. Stay open for what's next.

Negative experiences:

Accept even if you're not in agreement. Let them be, live them through and let them go when the time has come. Stay open for what's next.

Allow yourself to indulge in a colorful life full of experiences.

Enjoy the moment.