Every mental state has a birth, a growth, and a decay. You should strive to see these stages clearly. This is no easy thing to do, however. As we have already noted, every thought and sensation begins first in the unconscious region of the mind and only later rises to consciousness. We generally become aware of such things only after they have arisen in the conscious realm and stayed there for some time.
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.
