On Being with Krista Tippett Ellen Langer — Science of Mindlessness and Mindfulness
14 snips
Nov 2, 2017 
Ellen Langer, a pioneering researcher in mindfulness, discusses how our experiences are shaped by the language we use. She reveals that labeling activities as 'play' instead of 'work' can drastically change our outlook. Mindfulness, she explains, is simply the act of actively noticing things and can be practiced without traditional methods like meditation. Langer also explores the placebo effect, highlighting how beliefs can genuinely affect healing. Her insights emphasize that perception, not events, triggers stress, showcasing the profound impact of mindfulness on our lives.
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Reframing Judgments
- Instead of negatively judging others, try to understand their behavior from their perspective.
- Reframing negative traits as positive ones can resolve interpersonal conflicts and improve understanding.
Work vs. Play
- In a study, people evaluated cartoons under "work" or "play" conditions.
- Those in the "work" group were less engaged, needed more pay for more work, and demonstrated the impact of labels on experience.
Chambermaid Study
- Chambermaids, despite being active all day, didn't view their work as exercise.
- Changing the language around their activity led to positive physiological changes, demonstrating the mind-body connection.
