them as if on “autopilot.” We might fail to notice subtle changes because of
inattention or carelessness, or perhaps because we are preoccupied with our
thoughts about the past or the future. Mindfulness is a skill that focuses our
attention to the present moment and allows us to be less judgmental and nonreactive
to the unfolding experience. It involves an awareness to our mind, body,
and being able to relate to the ongoing event with an accepting and friendly attitude.
There are also links between our thoughts, emotions and how we behave. Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a focused approach that works by changing
unrealistic thought patterns about a situation, which affect one’s negative feelings
and behaviours. By integrating mindfulness into CBT (MCBT), the individual learns
to disarm the negative moods and cultivate positive emotional states by being aware
of their internal thoughts, body sensations and feelings without reacting to them.
This practice is generally achieved through certain meditation techniques such as
body scans, visual imagery, and breathing meditations. In general, people with
cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, and depression have shown significant improvement
in their well-being using these techniques.
Author: Niusha Ghazban, Ph.D., M.A.