Beyond Mindfulness: The Self-Discerner and Self-Director

Mindfulness has taught us the value of simply being aware: observing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. However, awareness alone doesn't necessarily lead to the next step. How do we actually turn those observations into meaningful action?

Building on ideas from Cloninger's concept of self-directedness and Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I introduce two new terms: the self-discerner and the self-director. These functions bridge the gap between noticing what's happening and making intentional changes.

The self-observer is at the heart of mindfulness. Its role is to notice thoughts, emotions, behaviors without attaching judgment or needing to act. It creates space between stimulus and response.

Enter the self-discerner. This function evaluates what the self-observer notices. It asks, 'Is this thought pattern useful? Does it align with my values and goals?' The discernment is crucial for intentional change.

Read at Psychology Today