Mindfulness meditation has gone mainstream, and for good reason. It really works! But what does that mean… it works? Is it a way to shut off the brain or numb unwanted emotions? Not exactly. Mindfulness is about becoming an observe of thoughts in order to reduce the exhausting struggle with them. Not only is the struggle to get rid of our internal experiences tiring, but it also keeps us stuck internally fighting rather than living living. As Mika Brzezinski from MSNBC would say, it helps to “recalibrate”, change our relationship with ourselves and become less reactive. One of the most powerful ingredients of mindfulness is acceptance. The act of being more accepting of our emotions and thoughts when they arise creates choice in how we want to respond. In other words what kind of person do you want to be when the anger, fear or loneliness crop up? Click on the link below and read about how Mika Brzezinki successfully used mindfulness and DBT skills to become less reactive and increase her quality of life.