ABSTRACT
Formal mindfulness practice is a training ground, not an end in itself. The whole intention of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is for the learning to be of service in the midst of everyday life. Detailed exploration of the effects of intentionally bringing mindfulness into the nitty-gritty of our lives is a particular and important characteristic of MBCT. Right from the beginning, part of the home practice schedule is to bring mindful attention to a routine activity. Participants are asked to choose one daily activity to practice this on - this could be something like taking a shower, brushing teeth, reading to the children, washing up, making a meal, or walking to work. The encouragement is to do the activity at a normal pace and to bring a gentle fresh attention to the moment-by-moment sensory experiences that arise each time this activity is carried out during the week.
