Once a person is in the turbulent waters of an uncontrolled mind, one has lost the ability to make decisions which are beneficial for ourselves and others in the long term.
So, it is of extreme importance that we learn how to exercise more control over our mind and not act on strong emotions when they come and go.
It is of great benefit to hit the Pause button, know how to step back and not be embroiled, not be swept away with all of these emotions and things that may arise within our mind. This is so important. It only becomes possible if we understand that I am an eternal spiritual being. This body and this mind that I am using is not me.
When we just go along with whatever our minds throws at us, then we just get one passing sensual flash after another. But we never become peaceful or happy. We are just agitated and lonely and empty, always looking for more, something else.
The process of mindfulness is to become increasingly aware of that fact that I actually do have these choices. I can step back in my life. I can take charge of my life rather than being enslaved by my mind. And that is the significant importance of the practice of mindfulness.