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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Practicing Happiness Workbook summary
Ruth Baer
How Mindfulness Can Free You from the Four Psychological Traps That Keep You Stressed, Anxious, and Depressed
20 mins
Brief summary
The Practicing Happiness Workbook guides readers in cultivating happiness through mindfulness and acceptance. Ruth Baer offers practical exercises and tools to foster resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being in daily life.
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The Practicing Happiness Workbook
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Negative thoughts can’t always be quietened, but they can be ignored
Mindfulness is a term that’s often tossed about in the wellness industry. But what is it, exactly? The short definition goes like this: mindfulness is about changing how you relate to your thoughts and emotions, especially the difficult ones. To understand that better, let’s use a metaphor called Passengers on the Bus.
Imagine you’re the driver of a bus, heading toward a meaningful goal – maybe building better relationships, achieving personal growth, or finding peace. But you’re not alone on this bus. There are passengers on board, and they’re not exactly supportive. These passengers represent your thoughts and feelings, and they yell discouraging things like, “You’re going to fail,” or “This isn’t worth it.” They’re persistent, loud, and make you doubt your ability to reach your destination.
You might feel tempted to stop the bus and deal with them. Maybe you argue, telling them to quiet down, or even try to force them off the bus. But no matter what you do, they won’t leave. The truth is, these passengers aren’t going anywhere. And this is where mindfulness offers a different perspective.
Mindfulness teaches you to let these passengers ride along without allowing them to take control. Instead of battling them or letting them dictate your direction, you stay focused on driving toward your chosen destination. Their voices are still there, but you stop giving them the power to influence your actions. Over time, as you practice this approach, their voices become less distracting. They don’t go away completely, but they fade into the background, allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead.
Importantly, mindfulness doesn’t mean ignoring your thoughts and emotions. It’s about acknowledging them without judgment. You recognize that they’re just passengers – thoughts and feelings, not absolute truths. You accept their presence, but you no longer allow them to control your decisions. This shift gives you the freedom to act in ways that align with your values, even when those internal voices try to pull you off course.
Ultimately, mindfulness is about staying in the driver’s seat. The passengers may still chatter, but they lose their grip on your attention and energy. This practice allows you to live intentionally, moving forward with clarity and purpose. No matter the journey, mindfulness empowers you to navigate life with resilience and focus, even when challenges arise.
Okay, now that we have a clear definition, let’s look at some exercises to help you start using this powerful tool.
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What is The Practicing Happiness Workbook about?
The Practicing Happiness Workbook (2014) is a practical guide for managing difficult emotions and breaking free from cycles of rumination. It explores mindfulness techniques to cultivate inner calm, reduce self-criticism, and develop a more resilient mind. Through practical exercises, it provides tools that help us approach life’s challenges with clarity, intention, and greater emotional well-being.
Who should read The Practicing Happiness Workbook?
- Individuals interested in practical mindfulness tools
- Those struggling with rumination or self-critical thoughts
- Anyone who wants to cultivate inner calmness
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