The quote emphasizes that mental states, like everything else, undergo a lifecycle involving birth, growth, and decay. Understanding these stages is crucial for improving mindfulness, but it is inherently challenging. The process of awareness is not immediate; we often notice our thoughts and feelings only after they have surfaced in our conscious mind for a while.
This highlights the importance of reflecting on our mental processes. Since thoughts originate in the unconscious mind before reaching our awareness, cultivating mindfulness allows us to observe these transitions. Recognizing this cycle can enhance our understanding of ourselves and help in managing our mental states effectively.