chapter 5
Exploring Mindfulness Further
MINDFuLNESS AND MEDITATION
The mindfulness skills that are at the core of the dialectical behavior therapy approach are actually
linked directly to a much larger and more ancient tradition of meditation. In that larger tradition
is a significant body of experience and wisdom related to developing and practicing mindfulness.
This experience and wisdom has much to offer anyone interested in mindfulness, whether they
seek improved psychological or physical health, personal enrichment, or even spiritual growth.
This chapter invites you to explore mindfulness further by trying some additional practices
adapted from the ancient tradition of meditation and now appearing in many clinical settings that
teach mindfulness-based approaches for a variety of health-related conditions.
The intention and hope is that you will develop an even deeper appreciation for the power
of mindfulness to support you, promote your happiness, and lead you increasingly to rest in wise
mind.
Marsha Linehan, who developed dialectical behavior therapy, has noted this larger context
for mindfulness in commenting that the mindfulness skills central to dialectical behavior therapy
are “psychological and behavioral versions of meditation practices from Eastern spiritual train-
ing.” Linehan goes on to say that in developing dialectical behavior therapy, “I have drawn most
heavily from the practice of Zen, but the skills are compatible with most Western contemplative
and Eastern meditation practices” (Linehan, 1993b, p. 63).
In the past twenty-five years or so, many health care professionals have become interested
in mindfulness and its applications in treating a wide variety of health-related conditions ranging
from stress to chronic pain to anxiety and depression to cancer. In bringing mindfulness forward
in Western health care settings, the ancient teachings and wisdom of various contemplative and
meditative traditions have provided much valuable insight.