We know that we shouldn't believe every thought, every story about ourselves that we have. Yet we often believe them even if they don't serve us well. These stories are usually based in thoughts about the past or the future. Psychologist John Forsyth suggests that by breathing, we can be more in the present moment and see our thoughts for what they are - thoughts.

John Forsyth has devoted most of his adult life to writing, speaking, teaching, doing research and training mental health professionals and the public in the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a practice that cultivates mindfulness, lovingkindness and self-compassion. He is a professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, SUNY. This is a job that he absolutely loves. He's also a licensed clinical psychologist in New York, an active researcher, teacher and consultant, and he serves as a senior editor of the ACT book series with New Harbinger Publications.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.