I think after smoking for so many years we conditioned ourselves to have a low tolerance for discomfort, period. Any time something was wrong...we reached for that cigarette. Instead of just sitting with that anger, shame, embarrassment, sadness,and pain..processing it, feeling it...and moving on--we grabbed for that cigarette.
Tuning in and allowing us to just feel these emotions makes us more aware of the consequences of our actions and therefore, eventually we stop reacting and making these poor choices because we know exactly how that action makes us feel.
My fitness instructor is constantly saying "go out of your comfort zone"--in fact, when I'm about ready to give up...those words are in my head and they keep me going. Same holds true for emotions.
Nobody ever died from being uncomfortable. It's a part of the human condition. Learning to live with it...sit with it....and not run from it...that's serenity.
It's actually great practice when you start small.....in traffic, standing in line at the grocery store, when something says something that irritates you a little...instead of reacting,,,sit with it. You'll see by the time you acknowledge the feeling that arises....you're pretty much over it. It's kinda cool.
I have a long way to go...I'm guessing the rest of my life. But I think that's the whole point. That's what we are here for. To experience, to enjoy, and to learn.
I might not be where I wanna be...but I'm closer than I was yesterday....and I can do it...happily...without a cigarette.