Functional Contextualism and Guided Mindfulness and Movement Practice

Laura uses Steven Hayes' metaphor that ACT is driving the car, while functional contextualism and relational frame theory are how the engine works. From this view no thought, memory, sensation or action is wrong in itself; what matters is whether it helps a person reach a goal or live in a thriving way. ACT aims to soften tightly held relational frames and make room for other experiences, which is the core of psychological flexibility. She contrasts mindfulness, linked to noticing, curiosity and allowing, with mindlessness, linked to distraction and zoning out. Mindfulness is tiring and is not a bona fide pain treatment, more an umbrella in a rainstorm that makes the walk through the storm easier to tolerate. Viewers then do a short body scan, trace the outline of their body, and move while imagining being pampas grass, the Tin Man and weightless. The reflection asks how the change of context altered effort, breath and enjoyment, and how they stayed committed despite resistance.