Mindfulness about Difficult Emotions

Question

If I try to be Mindful about a difficult emotion, it intensifies instead of going away. How to overcome this?

Answer 1

It's ok if it appears as if the emotion becomes stronger. What is actually happening is that many moments of emotions are arising and passing away rapidly. Some are perceived as stronger than others.

The problem is that we want these emotions to go away. We dislike the fact that these emotions are present. So you should note the dislike as well. Over time you will become more comfortable noting emotions no matter how strong they are.

Comments

Thank you very much. I will try this for sure.

Answer 2

Technically, if you are mindful, emotions cannot intensify. But if your attempts to be mindful of an emotion fail again and again, go back to focusing on the breath or noticing the stomach rising and falling.

Comments

Thank you very much!