The Mindfulness Revolution: How DBT Made Simple Makes Mindfulness Work for Real Life

Down-to-Earth Mindfulness Tools for Modern Stress

Mindfulness can feel intimidating—like something you need to master on a mountaintop or in a silent retreat. But Sheri Van Dijk’s DBT Made Simple brings mindfulness down to earth, making it accessible for anyone, anywhere. In DBT, mindfulness is about observing, describing, and participating in the present moment, without judgment or resistance.

The 'What' Skills: Observe, Describe, Participate

DBT teaches you to notice what’s happening inside and around you (observe), put words to your experience (describe), and engage fully in the moment (participate). These skills help you break free from autopilot and make conscious choices, even when life is stressful.

The 'How' Skills: Nonjudgmental, One-Mindful, Effective

How you practice mindfulness matters. DBT encourages you to be nonjudgmental (accept what is), one-mindful (focus on one thing at a time), and effective (do what works, not just what feels good). These principles make mindfulness practical for real life.

Real-World Examples

Imagine using mindfulness while stuck in traffic—observing your frustration, describing it ('I feel tense and impatient'), and choosing to participate by listening to music instead of honking the horn. Or practicing mindfulness while eating, savoring each bite without distractions.

Overcoming Obstacles

Many people struggle with mindfulness because they expect perfection or get frustrated when their mind wanders. DBT teaches that mindfulness is a practice, not a destination. Each time you return to the present, you’re building your mindfulness muscle.

If you’ve tried mindfulness before and felt it wasn’t for you, give DBT’s approach a try. With simple steps and real-world relevance, it’s mindfulness for the rest of us.