How does staying present help, when the present sucks? - Center for Evidence Based Treatment Orange County DBT and CBT
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How does staying present help, when the present sucks?

22 Sep How does staying present help, when the present sucks?

Posted at 00:34h in Uncategorized by

I have had several clients ask this question. The answer is pain does not equal suffering. If I have a headache, it is unpleasant, but I can go about my day. If out of habit, I focus on my headache, (“Ugh, my head really hurts”), and cannot accept it and go on with my day, my pain has become suffering. If I bring myself into the present and focus on what I can engage in (e.g. work, activities), then my suffering decreases. This is a skill that I have learned and practiced for several years. If my clients focus on what is making them miserable then they will continue to suffer. Start with a daily mindfulness practice and try moving your attention away from the pain, while accepting the pain exists.

 

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