A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters

by Steven C. Hayes

Living with our strength in the world requires far more of us than distraction, avoidance, and indulgence. If you want to find peace of mind and purpose, you will have to let go of finding a way out and instead pivot toward finding a way in. I am acutely aware that this is easier said than done.

As we struggle with life’s challenges, we often fear becoming lost, and we tend to look to the past and future to become oriented.

Flexible attention in the now, or being present, means choosing to pay attention to experiences here and now that are helpful or meaningful—and if they are not, then choosing to move on to other useful events in the now, rather than being caught in mindless attraction or revulsion.