Even at the subtle level, they play an important role in a variety of mental functions, such as, information processing, cognition, motivation and so on. Mindfulness meditation helps to expand our consciousness and thus get in touch with such subtle emotions and thereby impact on a variety of mental functions. Some excessively intense emotions can become traumatic and overwhelming and can trigger a chain of disastrous consequences such as, violent or destructive acting out, alcohol and drug abuse, psychosomatic illness and even psychogenic death. One may feel that such an emotional state is going to be everlasting and may not appreciate the fact that all emotions are only transient. With the help of mindfulness meditation, if one does not fight, indulge or actively avoid, they will just run their course.
Human beings are symbolic mediators who can make mountains out of molehills.
Through mindfulness one realises that the mind is filled with thoughts that constrict and distort our awareness as if in a state of being hypnotised by them. Through mindfulness one begins to see the thoughts for what they are, i.e. unsubstantial. It is like focussing on the empty sky, watching the clouds come and go, transient, impermanent and changing. The emphasis is on letting go, non-attachment. One begins to appreciate that the feeling of I, me, or self is just one of the numerous thought forms that flit in and out of consciousness.