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Mindfulness and Learning

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Mindfulness and Learning

Leading Learning

Leading Learning,

5 min read
3 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

The word “mindful” has almost been overused to the point of meaninglessness. Are you ready for a relevant definition?

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Hot Topic
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Ever bump into someone at a department store and say “sorry,” only to realize you’re apologizing to a mannequin? Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer has. It was the early 1970s, and the concept of mindfulness was barely a glint on the horizon of Western consciousness, but Langer’s experiences made her wonder: Are most people walking around in a perpetual state of zombie-like inattention, and if so, is there another way to be? That’s how she embarked on a life-long study of mindfulness, bringing the research sensibilities of Western psychology to bear on the ancient art of “being here now.”

Summary

Mindfulness can be defined simply as “actively noticing new things,” and it doesn’t require a meditation practice.

Have you ever received the less-than-helpful feedback that you should try to be in “the moment,” and wondered exactly how to do that? Meditation probably comes to mind, because many people think mindfulness is synonymous with meditation. They take a “no pain, no gain” approach to mindfulness by trying to sit still through lengthy daily meditation practice. Meditation can certainly be a means of achieving mindfulness, but how long do the benefits last? Plus, anything that requires “practice” tends to be something people don’t want...

About the Podcast

Ellen Langer is author and co-author of over 200 research papers on the subject of mindfulness. She’s a social psychologist, Harvard professor, Guggenheim fellow and author of 11 books, including Mindfulness; The Power of Mindful Learning; On Becoming an Artist; and Counterclockwise. The Leading Learning podcast offers insights and perspectives for learning professionals. Co-hosts Celisa Steele and Jeff Cobb co-founded Tagoras, a consultancy that serves the professional development, continuing education and lifelong learning markets.

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