In healthy coping, we need balance between dual processes, both top-down and bottom-up, as we mentioned earlier. We need to be able to make good coping decisions and tolerate some discomfort without being overwhelmed by it. The dual processes of mindfulness practice: monitoring or observing with acceptance and openness offer a wholesome coping approach to all the circumstances of our lives, even those that are unpleasant.

To summarize, mindfulness:
• Directs attention to noticing feelings as they arise in the present without judgment, even if they are unwanted;
• Reduces automatic tendency to suppress what is unwanted or unpleasant;
• Mindfulness helps us meet all experience with compassionate observation;
• Reminds us that most experiences are temporary and don’t require avoidance;
• Increases distress tolerance as part of emotion regulation.

This is why we practice mindfulness