A concept grounded in the practice of certain forms of Buddhism, mindfulness is the conscious, uninvolved awareness of the present moment. Western psychologists have recently learned that this state of mind is particularly conducive to the accomplishment of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT: an active mode of psychological treatment that attempts to recognize and counter negative thoughts and behaviors before they lead to debilitating symptoms like depression. As statistics confirm again and again that depression is the single most common psychological problem affecting Americans, the refinement of psychotherapy through the integration of spirituality-based techniques has generated considerable interest among psychology professionals. This approachable and easy-to-use book makes these powerful techniques available to the general public.

The book is built around a compelling series of specific, step-by-step interventions that provide readers with an understanding of the thoughts that lead to depression. They learn how to find the motivation to confront depressive feelings. By "sitting" with painful emotions and allowing them to pass, readers find that they can reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. Using meditation practices for observation and awareness, they develop the ability to recognize cognitive, physiological, and environmental triggers that can lead to aggravated periods of the disorder. When readers change how they approach their day-to-day lives—their daily activities, the choices they make, and the way they cope with life’s ups and downs—they strengthen the skills they need to move beyond depression and develop lasting peace of mind.