When thinking about the mindfulness practice of meditation, we usually imagine the ideal situation: a quiet place, ample time to ruminate (anywhere from 40 minutes to several days), and no distractions to disturb the meditation process. Unfortunately, this ideal is rarely a realistic option for most people.

Zindel Segal found that many mindfulness practices, such as meditation, are effective when working with clients who suffer from depression. But how are they incorporated into treatment when the realities of life are that it is loud, busy, and full of distractions?

That's where the three-minute breathing space comes in. Watch the clip below to hear him talk about how clients can achieve mindful awareness of their emotional states in just three minutes.