Why is "Why" an unhelpful question?

In an effort to understand our experience, we often ask "Why?" Why do I feel so sad? Why do these hard things keep happening in my life? Why is it so difficult to be happy? Why am I the way I am?

Although I encourage people to become students of their own mind, to seek a greater knowledge of their interior life, I find that focusing on answering "Why?" does not reduce suffering. Too often why questions don't usually move us forward but keep us stuck in a loop of unhappiness and frustration. Let's talk about why that happens!