Is discomfort a problem?
Short Answer
Not necessarily. Some discomfort is normal because you’re increasing contact with bodily and emotional experience. Pain, panic, or trauma activation are different and call for a gentler approach or professional support.
Why This Matters
Validation questions are where most beginners quit. Normalizing variability reduces comparison and shame, which makes practice sustainable. The ability to notice “I’m not mindful” is itself mindfulness.
Where This Changes
Some experiences need a different approach, not reassurance—persistent dissociation, panic spikes, or destabilization are signals to adjust practice or seek guidance. Safety beats intensity.