Should mindfulness feel peaceful?
Short Answer
Sometimes it does, but it doesn’t have to. Peacefulness can arise as reactivity decreases. But mindfulness can also be simply honest awareness of what’s present.
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.