Steven C Hayes on how to ACT on your thoughts (re-release)

Steven C. Hayes is one of the godfathers of modern American psychology - and Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods. Chords/lyrics to the song: VERSE  F  Most of us live in a state of constant confusion  F  As automatic thoughts cause circuitous delusions  Bf  We don't want these feelings  F  So choose distractions But with simple exercises, your mind can be taught  To watch the act of thinking without entangling in thoughts  Welcome emotions  Hold them to the light Bf                               C  Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react  Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react VERSE  For a minute let your mind go wherever it wants  Then write down the thoughts you had, every little point  When you've let the fish run  Reel him in Now disobey on purpose the dictator within  Write down the phrase "I cannot walk around this room"  Then read it outloud  While you walk around Or give your mind a name, and listen to it speak  Politely as you would to any stranger you meet  And agree or disagree  Respectfully Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react  Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react MIDDLE (whispering and downbeat)  Bf   For sticky thoughts  C  Sing them away  Dm  To the tune of  F  Happy Birthday Or write them down  And carry them with you  Wherever you go  Through your day Bf  Accept every memory, every faction  C  Override rigid reactions WHISTLING VERSE VERSE  So you've noticed now that there's more than one voice  An argument begins whenever you're faced with a choice  Does this to-and-fro  Feel familiar? Write down what the voices are repeating at you  Don't think which are appropriate or even true  See them as quarrelling children  Watch in amusement Now your mind's a bus, thoughts are passengers  But they're distracting your driving and causing a fuss  Keep your destination sign  Always in mind Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react  Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react  Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react