Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Resource Bundle (386 pages)

Mindfulness explained

The practice of mindfulness focuses on bringing your attention to the present moment. The goal of mindfulness is to recognize when your mind is caught up in thought and then gently pull it back to the present experience. Mindfulness without judgment involves being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions without hating yourself for having them. By practicing mindfulness without judgment, you can focus on emotional experiences without invalidating yourself for having them. We can also choose to be mindful in a given moment. Maybe you are in a situation that is difficult for you. You are feeling anxious, angry, or sad. Instead of letting your emotions take you away even further, you can choose to be mindful. You can take a deep breath, you can focus on the sounds around you, or you can notice your thoughts. You can choose to be mindful and bring yourself back to the now.