Cognitive defusion is a key component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps us gain perspective and healthy distance from our thoughts and feelings. Cognitive defusion helps us move from narrowly focused attention to the broad, expansive perspective of objective awareness.

In her research conducted at Columbia University, Dr. Lisa Miller showed that we are hardwired to have an “awakened brain.” This research found the neuroanatomical correlates of religiosity and spirituality using anatomical MRIs of the brain. Based on these results, Dr. Miller contends that the search for a spiritual connection inherent to the human brain, though we live in a society that is becoming more and more disconnected with spirituality and religion. Not only are we hardwired for spirituality, but engagement with spirituality can protect against depression and substance abuse, thicken the cortex, and create a more connected, synchronous brain.

Unexamined thinking causes us to suffer. Use this practice to question your thoughts to help you drop the stories that are brining you suffering and bring you back into alignment with reality