The yoga twin-practices of consistent effort and non-clinging provide DBT's foundation: persistent skill-building paired with acceptance rather than resistance to emotional pain.
Patanjali teaches that yoga requires both abhyasa (dedicated, sustained practice) and vairagya (non-attachment to outcomes). This directly illuminates DBT's dialectic: change skills must be practiced relentlessly, yet attachment to controlling emotions paradoxically strengthens dysregulation. In emotional regulation, abhyasa means repeatedly using distress tolerance and emotion regulation techniques until they become automatic responses. Vairagya teaches non-clinging to the fantasy that emotions shouldn't arise; it accepts their presence while refusing to amplify them through rumination or avoidance. This combination dissolves the struggle that perpetuates dysregulation. Many individuals dysregulate not from the initial emotion but from fighting it—demanding it disappear. Patanjali's framework reframes this: practice the skills diligently, release attachment to specific emotional outcomes, and watch how stability naturally emerges. This non-resistance paradoxically accelerates genuine emotional change.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.