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Leaves on a Stream
Place each thought on a leaf and watch it drift down a stream.
Goal
Break cognitive fusion between "self" and "thoughts" via a visual exercise that teaches the mind a thought is a passing event, not a permanent fact.
Steps
-
1
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
A sense of being "behind" your thoughts, not inside them.
Evidence base
School: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Founders: Steven C. Hayes · Russ Harris (2005)
A core defusion exercise. Works by distinguishing the observing self from thought content.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Leaves on a Stream" take?
This exercise takes about 8 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.
When will I notice the effect of "Leaves on a Stream"?
A sense of being "behind" your thoughts, not inside them. In the short term: After 10 sessions, dis-identifying from harmful thoughts in daily life becomes faster.
Is "Leaves on a Stream" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Steven C. Hayes, Russ Harris (2005)). A core defusion exercise. Works by distinguishing the observing self from thought content.
Is "Leaves on a Stream" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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