The yogic practice of observing and settling mental turbulence without suppression, directly paralleling DBT's distress tolerance and mindfulness skills.
Patanjali defines yoga as "chitta vritti nirodhah"—the cessation of mental fluctuations. This foundational concept treats emotional dysregulation not as pathology but as natural mind-chatter requiring patient observation rather than combat. In DBT terms, this aligns with mindfulness of current emotion and distress tolerance: instead of fighting anxiety or anger, we witness their arising and passing like clouds. Patanjali's framework emphasizes non-judgment and continuity of practice. For someone experiencing emotional dysregulation, this reframes rumination and reactivity as reversible mental patterns. The Yoga Sutras teach that stability emerges through sustained, gentle awareness—not force. This directly supports DBT's dialectical stance: accept emotions fully while simultaneously committing to change, creating psychological flexibility without harsh self-judgment that often deepens dysregulation.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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