ABSTRACT
Mindfulness skills are the foundation of all other skills in DBT. Mindfulness skills are taught first, and because they are the foundation for other skill sets, they are reviewed periodically during the course of skill training. Because mindfulness skills can be somewhat abstract in nature, clients may struggle in knowing when and how to apply them. This chapter provides 34 metaphors and stories, each explaining what mindfulness is, the six specific skills taught by Marsha Linehan (Observe, Describe, Participate, Nonjudgmentally, One-mindfully, Effectively), and how to apply these skills for a life that is more gratifying, while decreasing misery. These metaphors include examples of real-world, specific application of mindfulness skills practice.
