Russ Harris
Our evolutionary wiring makes the relentless pursuit of feeling good a guaranteed path to misery. By stopping the struggle against negative emotions, you can build a rich, meaningful life guided by your deepest values.
The human brain evolved to detect threats and avoid danger, meaning it is naturally wired to produce anxiety and negative thoughts rather than a constant state of happiness.
Attempting to suppress, avoid, or control unpleasant thoughts and feelings acts as an emotional amplifier that transforms normal discomfort into prolonged psychological suffering.
Cognitive defusion involves observing thoughts as passing words and images rather than absolute truths or commands that must be obeyed, neutralizing their power over your behavior.