Being mindful

Linehan (1993b) says, "By learning to observe your emotions, you learn to separate from (not identified as) your emotions and at one with your emotions. In order to control, you must be separate form your emotions so that you canthink and use coping strategies. But you also need to be one with your emotions, in the sense that you identify them as a part of yourself and not something outside you" (89).

When I feel sad, I should think:
1. "I notice that I am avoiding others."
2. "I observe that I feel empty and drained...I notice that I am losing energy."

By becoming aware, I can be more in control.