Unpacking Mindfulness and Positive Psychology with Ellen Langer

The Innovation Show

Unpacking Mindfulness and Positive Psychology with Ellen Langer This podcast episode features Ellen Langer, known as the mother of mindfulness and positive psychology, discussing her latest book 'The Mindful Body' and its comprehensive insights into achieving chronic health through mindfulness. Langer covers a variety of topics, from the pitfalls of social comparison to the power of positive framing and the immense control people have over their health and happiness through mindful practices. Through anecdotes and empirical studies, she illustrates how changing perceptions and embracing variability can alleviate chronic illnesses, transform education, and enhance daily living. The discussion also touches on the psychological effects of labels, the importance of mindfulness in caregiving, and the transformative potential of mindful learning in both personal and professional contexts. Langer emphasizes the choice available in interpretations of our experiences and encourages a mindful approach to life's challenges to add more life to our years. 00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Body: An Introduction 00:44 The Pitfalls of Social Comparison 03:54 Embracing Imperfection and Mindfulness 05:22 Rethinking Regrets and Embracing Life's Uncertainties 07:29 The Power of Perspective: Learning from Loss 13:12 Understanding Emotions and Behavior 16:46 Mindful Learning and the Value of Mistakes 23:30 Challenging Conventional Wisdom on Health and Vision 27:20 Exploring the Power of Mindfulness in Managing Chronic Illness 28:03 The Transformative Effects of Mindfulness on Health 29:56 The Pygmalion Effect: Expectations Shaping Reality 30:59 Harnessing Placebo Effects and Mindful Healing 36:39 Mindful Contagion: Enhancing Well-being in Social Interactions 41:42 Mindfulness and Memory: Challenging Age-Related Stereotypes 48:17 Mindfulness in Practice: From Healthcare to Everyday Life 51:41 Embracing Mindfulness for Personal and Organizational Change Find Ellen and her books. https://www.ellenlanger.me