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Mindfulness

Wise Mind Mapping

Differentiate Emotion Mind, Reasonable Mind, and Wise Mind in a recent situation so you can shift toward wise action.

Tip: jot notes below, then print or “Save as PDF.”

How to practice it

Move through each step slowly. Notice what the skill asks for and how you can experiment in real life.

1

Emotion Mind Snapshot

Describe how Emotion Mind showed up—thoughts, feelings, urges, or body sensations driven by emotion.

2

Reasonable Mind Snapshot

Capture the logical, plan-focused response you had (or could have had). What facts stood out?

3

Wise Mind Bridge

Identify the wise middle path that honors both emotion and reason. Note what wise mind voice or image feels like.

4

Wise Action Plan

Choose the next action that aligns with Wise Mind and moves toward your goals.

Real-world examples

Try spotting moments like these in your week. Notice how the skill changes the ripple effect of a tough situation.

Unexpected feedback

Emotion Mind wanted to defend. Reasonable Mind drafted a long email rebuttal. Wise Mind suggested pausing, asking clarifying questions, and scheduling a follow-up conversation.

Weekend planning conflict

Emotion Mind insisted on pleasing the partner. Reasonable Mind insisted on productivity. Wise Mind created a compromise plan with dedicated time for both connection and errands.

Practice Activity

Choose two situations this week to map through Emotion Mind → Reasonable Mind → Wise Mind.

What prompted Emotion Mind and how did it feel?

What facts or logic did Reasonable Mind focus on?

What message did Wise Mind offer when you paused?

What wise action did you take—or will you take next time?

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WithMarsha app icon
Mindfulness

Wise Mind Mapping

Differentiate Emotion Mind, Reasonable Mind, and Wise Mind in a recent situation so you can shift toward wise action.

How to practice it

1

Emotion Mind Snapshot

Describe how Emotion Mind showed up—thoughts, feelings, urges, or body sensations driven by emotion.

2

Reasonable Mind Snapshot

Capture the logical, plan-focused response you had (or could have had). What facts stood out?

3

Wise Mind Bridge

Identify the wise middle path that honors both emotion and reason. Note what wise mind voice or image feels like.

4

Wise Action Plan

Choose the next action that aligns with Wise Mind and moves toward your goals.

Real-world examples

Unexpected feedback

Emotion Mind wanted to defend. Reasonable Mind drafted a long email rebuttal. Wise Mind suggested pausing, asking clarifying questions, and scheduling a follow-up conversation.

Weekend planning conflict

Emotion Mind insisted on pleasing the partner. Reasonable Mind insisted on productivity. Wise Mind created a compromise plan with dedicated time for both connection and errands.

Practice Activity

Choose two situations this week to map through Emotion Mind → Reasonable Mind → Wise Mind.

What prompted Emotion Mind and how did it feel?

What facts or logic did Reasonable Mind focus on?

What message did Wise Mind offer when you paused?

What wise action did you take—or will you take next time?

Practice DBT skills in real time with WithMarsha — download the app at withmarsha.app