Reddit meter
Mindfulness
272 pages, 2014
self-improvement
909 books
spirituality & religion
408 books
philosophy
711 books
science & nature
1064 books
psychology
705 booksThe groundbreaking work of social psychologist Dr. Ellen J. Langer and her team of researchers at Harvard University introduced the idea of mindfulness to the Western world. Moreover, it cemented its place as a powerful tool for living in our present moment.
Since then, it has been applied to everything from health to business to aging and education, even being adapted as a psychological assessment (known as the Langer Mindfulness Scale). In her introduction to this 25th-anniversary edition, Dr. Langer outlines some of these exciting applications and suggests those still to come.
Ellen J. Langer explores the concept of mindfulness, which is the act of being fully present in the moment. She suggests that by practicing mindfulness, we can improve our mental and physical health, and enhance our overall quality of life.
Langer contrasts mindfulness with mindlessness, a state where we operate on autopilot, not fully engaged with our surroundings or actions. She encourages us to break free from mindless routines and engage more deeply with the world around us.
The book delves into how our perceptions shape our reality. Langer argues that by changing our perceptions, we can alter our experience of the world, reduce stress, and increase our happiness.
Ellen J. Langer's research also looks into the relationship between mindfulness and aging. She suggests that a mindful approach to life can help us age more gracefully and maintain our mental sharpness as we grow older.
The book doesn't just talk about mindfulness in theory, it also provides practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives. From mindful eating to mindful communication, Langer gives us tools to live more consciously and fully.