Do you ever find yourself constantly feeling stuck? If so, it might be time to explore the concept of psychological flexibility.
Psychological flexibility has quickly become a cornerstone of effective therapy and a powerful tool for self-improvement. In brief, it is the ability to be open to and aware of one’s experiences, and to choose how to respond in a way that is consistent with your values.
Six principles of psychological flexibility
The six core principles are acceptance, contact with the present moment, cognitive defusion, values, committed action, and self-as-context. These principles are designed to help individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings, and to become more mindful of their actions and behaviors.
Acceptance
Acceptance involves the willingness to experience uncomfortable and difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This does not mean that you must agree with such thoughts and feelings, but that your are open and willing to accept them without judgment.
Contact with the present moment
Contact with the present moment involves becoming aware of your physical, mental, and emotional experiences in the moment. This includes noticing our physical sensations, thoughts, feelings, and urges. It is important to be mindful of these experiences without judging them or reacting to them in a way that is self-defeating.
Cognitive defusion
At its core, cognitive defusion is about stepping back from your thoughts and emotions and viewing them as separate entities instead of getting wrapped up in them. By doing this, we can create a sense of distance between ourselves and our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to more objectively observe and evaluate them.
Values
Values are the heart of any behavior and are the foundation for creating meaningful and lasting change. They provide a sense of direction and purpose and can be used to motivate individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Committed Action
Committed action is the process of taking consistent and purposeful steps towards your long-term goals. It is not just about taking action, but rather it is about taking action that is aligned with your values.
Self as context
The concept of self-as-context helps us to see our thoughts, feelings, and experiences as independent of who we are. Instead of identifying with our thoughts and feelings, we can be aware of them in a more objective way. This allows us to take a step back, observe our thoughts and feelings, and choose how to respond in a mindful way.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the concept of psychological flexibility. It is not only an important concept to understand, but also a useful tool that can help us improve our mental health and well-being. Take the time to reflect on how you can use psychological flexibility to improve your life.
Useful Links
1.Association for contextual behavioral science (https://contextualscience.org/act)
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