Part 2/7:
“What if” scenarios are a mental trap that many fall into, characterized by the relentless imagining of worst-case outcomes. Thoughts can spiral into a cycle of anxious pondering—what if something goes wrong? What if I'm being deceived? These thoughts can escalate to the point where even mundane life events induce unnecessary worry.
Our brain has an adeptness at crafting these dramatic scenarios, which can cause substantial distress. Many individuals experience these spirals intermittently; they might not be constant but can emerge during specific instances, resulting in significant suffering. This is where the practice of mindfulness, specifically derived from Buddhism, comes into play.