The lack of understanding is the basis for every internal knot. It is
difficult for our mind to accept that it has negative feelings like anger,
fear, and regret, so it finds ways to bury these in remote areas of our
consciousness. We create elaborate defense mechanisms to deny their
existence, but these problematic feelings are always trying to surface. If
we practice mindfulness, we can learn the skill of recognizing a knot the
moment it is tied in us and finding ways to untie it. Internal formations
need our full attention as soon as they form, while they are still loosely
tied, so that the work of untying them will be easy.
–Thich Nhat Hanh, from Teachings on Love (Parallax Press)