Why does mindfulness feel uncomfortable?
Short Answer
Because it increases contact with sensation and emotion, including tension and vulnerability. Discomfort can also come from posture, fatigue, or forcing focus. Gentle practice and appropriate anchors usually reduce it.
Why This Matters
Difficulty is often the first honest signal of what your mind normally avoids. Understanding common friction states prevents you from mislabeling practice as “not working.” The skill is returning without self-attack.
Where This Changes
If practice increases anxiety or agitation, the adjustment is usually less intensity, not more willpower. Use shorter sessions, soften effort, and choose anchors that feel stabilizing.