Personality Disorders Support Group

it's just basically meditating and being very aware of your surroundings, at least that's my take on it. we did it every session of DBT.

I think it means to be of the present moment. So basically what Casey said.

If you look up 'DBT therapy' it will tell you more anout it. That is where the term comes from, it is also used in CBT, but they are proving that DBT works more effectively.

"Mindfulness" is a heightened state of awareness of our actions. It originates from Buddhism, where in order to maximise our time on earth, we are guided to become more attuned to ourselves and our surroundings.

Mindfulness to a BPD is about "cognitive intervention" - that is, being constantly vigilant to our own thought processes in order that we can avert negative behaviour which would otherwise create a vicious cycle.

As a Bipolar with BPD, I find my medication buys me enough time to "count to ten" before spontaneously combusting, giving my cognitive processes time to kick in and question the behaviour I'm about to let happen. Rather than allow a maladaptive knee-jerk reaction, I can then think about what would be a more productive response and subordinate those negative tendencies.

Hope this helps - just ask if you want more info or clarification.

Thanks everyone - that makes sense.

From Universe by Message to me:

" the book that I am currently re reading is called
"When Things Fall Apart" Heart advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chodron. The advice in it is from a Shambhala
Buddhist perspective. She describes mindfulness as,"being
fully present with all our activities and thoughts. In this way
we notice clearly what we are experiencing, especially the
thoughts and feelings that are coming up. When we do this
we notice clearly what freaks us out and where our hearts
are closed. If we can remain in the here and now and really
be present without any of our usual ways to numb the pain
or distract ourselves we can surmount the courage and strength
to let everything go, so that the true fearless, strong and joyous
self can emerge. She describes this as the path of the Spiritual
Warrior, a way to live fearlessly and in harmony with life.
I hope you find this information helpful. "

mindfullness is being totally aware of yourself as a being. being aware of this around you but not allowing them to affect you in any way...very effective once you master it...especially when you deal with stress and letting go of things...you basically focus on your breathing..you count each breath as it goes in and goes out..you picture a white area (or a peaceful color) and absolute nothingness. you have no thoughts (great for racing thoughts) and no emotions...you are relaxed and at peace with yourself and the world...dont even think "well in 15 min i'll be back in the world and life" it aint worth it...but when you come out of it and back into your surroundings you feel calmer...relaxed....and a little better with yourself....and this isnt dissociating...ive been doing it for about 3 years and i have gotten to the point where i dont need a guided cd anymore. i can just go into it and let everythign go...its very effective...you and look up John Kappa-Zin and he has a guided beginers meditation cd but i dont know if its still free. but i think you might actually like it...

I do it as often as I can and it is really relaxing. Personally I love doing it cause it is my time to be with me. does that make any sense.

oh it is meditation by the way

It's a DBT thing.It's just being in the moment and aware of everything around you, your thoughts,feelings and body sensations.