Yogi: Sayadaw says when there is mindfulness, the mind is relieved and the quality of mind improves. But sometimes the agitation increases when I’m aware of a strong defilement – e.g. when I’m aware of the sensation while taking a cold shower, the agitation increases.

Sayadaw: Your agitation is not from awareness; the agitation is from the reaction, the resistance to the experience. It is only that you know what is happening when you’re aware.