Almost all of our mental and emotional pain stems from the way we relate to our thoughts and emotions in any given moment.
At times, it can seem like there are a thousand different thoughts or voices vying for our attention. The sensations in our bodies may also bring about a deep sense of claustrophobia, fear and uncertainty.
The human tendency is to prioritize relief in these moments. We quickly conclude that how we are feeling is problematic and jump into problem solving with a desire to get rid and change our immediate experience.
Mindfulness invites us to tend to these experiences in a radically different way: Don't be too quick to cast these experiences out as unwanted visitors and and negative thoughts...
Slow down, connect, feel. Learn to tolerate the distress and bear witness to what is arising within and around you with curiousity. Perhaps there is some wisdom buried within the discomfort.
Mindfulness is not a quick fix and it will not solve all your problems, but it can certainly help you to relate to yourself with more awareness and acceptance.