What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a deceptively simple way of relating to experience that has been successfully practiced for over 2,500 years to alleviate human suffering. It is based on the ancient discovery that our attempts to avoid pain and unwanted inner experiences by dwelling in the past, judging the present moment, and worrying about the future, is the source of much of our self-induced suffering and misery. On the other hand, openly embracing life as it is presented, with all its difficulties, will lead to fewer symptoms, greater happiness, and a deeper sense of connection to others.
Mindfulness is a deceptively simple way of relating to experience that has been successfully practiced for over 2,500 years to alleviate human suffering. It is based on the ancient discovery that our attempts to avoid pain and unwanted inner experiences by dwelling in the past, judging the present moment, and worrying about the future, is the source of much of our self-induced suffering and misery. On the other hand, openly embracing life as it is presented, with all its difficulties, will lead to fewer symptoms, greater happiness, and a deeper sense of connection to others.
What Do You Gain By Practicing Mindfulness?
In mindfulness practice, patients learn to experience unwanted negative thoughts, feelings, sensations, and urges as events to be observed without judgment (i.e., acceptance) rather than as events that must be acted upon. Ultimately, through practice, patients learn that uncomfortable inner experiences are transitory and inevitable aspects of human life that do not need to be eliminated or responded to.
In mindfulness practice, patients learn to experience unwanted negative thoughts, feelings, sensations, and urges as events to be observed without judgment (i.e., acceptance) rather than as events that must be acted upon. Ultimately, through practice, patients learn that uncomfortable inner experiences are transitory and inevitable aspects of human life that do not need to be eliminated or responded to.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions and CBT
Mindfulness-based interventions have been integrated into different forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Mindfulness-based interventions have been integrated into different forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion involves the skill of being kind and understanding to oneself, especially when confronted with failure and mistakes, instead of using self-judgment and criticism. This is because no one is perfect. Self-compassion is not a new concept, but has been heavily studied and researched by Dr. Kristin Neff. According to Dr. Neff, self-compassion involves 3 steps: 1) mindfulness; 2) recognizing common humanity; 3) and self-kindness. In mindfulness, individuals learn to be open to the reality of the present moment and acknowledge our internal experiences and feelings without exaggerating it (Say to ourself, "I feel disappointed that I got a B- on this test." rather than "I'm so dumb and such a bad student for not getting an A on this test."). In recognizing common humanity, individuals learn that our internal thoughts and feelings are shared human experiences that connect us with others (e.g., "Everyone makes mistakes sometimes." And finally, self-kindness involves talking to ourselves encouragingly like we would with others (e.g., "Even though I didn't get the grade I strived for, I'm still a capable student. I can learn from my mistakes. I'm always learning"). Self-compassion is often integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy by our therapists to further enhance individual's ability to effectively respond to anxiety, anger, shame, and self-criticism.
Self-compassion involves the skill of being kind and understanding to oneself, especially when confronted with failure and mistakes, instead of using self-judgment and criticism. This is because no one is perfect. Self-compassion is not a new concept, but has been heavily studied and researched by Dr. Kristin Neff. According to Dr. Neff, self-compassion involves 3 steps: 1) mindfulness; 2) recognizing common humanity; 3) and self-kindness. In mindfulness, individuals learn to be open to the reality of the present moment and acknowledge our internal experiences and feelings without exaggerating it (Say to ourself, "I feel disappointed that I got a B- on this test." rather than "I'm so dumb and such a bad student for not getting an A on this test."). In recognizing common humanity, individuals learn that our internal thoughts and feelings are shared human experiences that connect us with others (e.g., "Everyone makes mistakes sometimes." And finally, self-kindness involves talking to ourselves encouragingly like we would with others (e.g., "Even though I didn't get the grade I strived for, I'm still a capable student. I can learn from my mistakes. I'm always learning"). Self-compassion is often integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy by our therapists to further enhance individual's ability to effectively respond to anxiety, anger, shame, and self-criticism.
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