Russ Harris
Our evolutionary wiring makes the relentless pursuit of feeling good a trap. By stopping the struggle against negative emotions, you can build a rich, meaningful life guided by your deepest values.
The brain evolved to detect threats, so anxiety and negative thoughts are normal features of being human, not signs that something has gone uniquely wrong.
Trying to suppress or control unpleasant thoughts and feelings often amplifies them, turning ordinary pain into prolonged suffering.
Cognitive defusion means noticing thoughts as passing words and images rather than truths or commands you must obey.