Is mindfulness supposed to feel calm?
Short Answer
Not always. Calm is a common outcome, but mindfulness can also feel clear, intense, or emotionally active. Expecting calm can create extra tension and self-judgment.
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.