[Galsteinbok]

hi Traveller

first, i am glad to read you were 'there' & aware when "it had passed"

however, as for its source, doubt is both inherently in-born and conditioned by experience

the Buddha taught each human being is born with the underlying tendency (anusaya) of doubt (AN 7.11)

naturally, this doubt can be further conditioned or strengthened

so, for example, if one has a history of substance use, doubt can be strengthened and thus also arise as a withdrawal symptom

therefore, whether or not doubt is strengthened via conditioning, each meditation practitioner will experience doubt as this tendency rises up in meditation

the Buddha included doubt as one of the five hindrances (nirvarana) to meditation

knowing with confidence this doubt (and also fear) will, without doubt, pass away, is vital for the mitigating of doubt

so your experience was normal for a practitioner and that you were 'there', conscious it had passed, is an important step

there are times an emotion or hindrance will overwelm the mind to the point it can only be endured until it passes away

to 'control' the mood is too difficult

this is OK because each step of bringing awareness & endurance to doubt is a step towards the purification of & freedom from doubt

kindest regards

element