“It is sweet to let the mind unbend on occasion.”
Horace, Roman poet (December 8, 65 BC – November 27, 8 BC)
Ellen Langer, professor of psychology at Harvard University, has done a great deal of research on the role mindfulness may play in not only unlocking our potential but managing diseases. If you’ve always rolled your eyes at “mindfulness” as a “new agey” concept, you may want to reconsider your thinking. In the article, “Mindfulness: Psychology Of Possibilities Can Enhance Health, Happiness” an overview of Langer’s work suggests the practice is worth exploring.
From the article:
Teaching mindfulness through attention to variability may be helpful for many disorders, including asthma, depression and learning disabilities, to name a few, according to Langer.
“Noticing even subtle fluctuations in how you feel can counter mindlessness, or the illusion of stability. We tend to hold things still in our minds, despite the fact that all the while they are changing. If we open up our minds, a world of possibility presents itself,” she said.
“It is important for people to realize there can be enhanced possibilities for people of all ages and all walks of life,” Langer emphasized. “My research has shown how using a different word, offering a small choice or making a subtle change in the physical environment can improve our health and well-being. Small changes can make large differences, so we should open ourselves to the impossible and embrace a psychology of possibility.”
Mindfulness does not necessarily mean meditation, by the way. It can be as simple as monitoring our internal monologue and the language choices we make. What we choose to spend our attention on, and how we describe those experiences to ourselves can have a huge impact on our mood and capacity to recognize opportunities.
Photo credit: grrphoto
Here’s to your continued success,
Scott Levitt
President, Oakley Signs & Graphics
P.S.: Get Perspective on Your Business:
Scott’s Thoughts: 137 Perspectives You Can Use to See Your Business, Your Clients & Yourself in a New Way:
http://www.tuesdaytactics.com/scotts-thoughts-ebook/
