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Mindfulness
by
Ellen Langer
"A landmark work of social psychology" (Booklist) now in paperback at a popular price". . . . Harvard psychology professor Langer seeks to dramatize the rigid conditions and mindsets that often produce a pervasive state of automatized stupidity . . . (and) proposes a life-enhancing alternative".--Kirkus Reviews.
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
January 22nd 1990
by Da Capo Press
(first published 1989)
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i am acutely disappointed by the end of this book. i am even more disappointed by ellen langer herself. yet this does not stop me from wanting to get her second book in her mindfulness series, Mindful Learning.
however, i have now realized why all the other literature on mindfulness does NOT reference her work.
the book is very good in the beginning in describing what exactly mindlessness is. however, her idea of what mindful living is is NOT the same as basically all th...more
however, i have now realized why all the other literature on mindfulness does NOT reference her work.
the book is very good in the beginning in describing what exactly mindlessness is. however, her idea of what mindful living is is NOT the same as basically all th...more
Ellen Langer is a psychologist from Harvard University who has spent much of her career researching the differences between mindfulness and mindlessness. In Langer's view, mindfulness is the ability to create new categories, welcoming new information, openness to different points of view, control over context, and emphasizing process over outcome. In other words, mindfulness is the ability to consider things in new and thoughtful ways. Mindlessness is a product of our tendency to view our world ...more
Mindful..wha? In my ever continuing quest to become sane (some dreams die hard), I thought I'd pick up this little psychology/self-help book that is supposed to help one undertand the importance of being present and mindful. Yawn (Sorry, Buddha).
Admittedly, there were a few interesting anecdotes, and Langer's style is far from academic and dry, but it lacks a certain punch. Instead I just wanted to punch myself for purchasing the book in the first place. Waste of fifteen bucks...
Admittedly, there were a few interesting anecdotes, and Langer's style is far from academic and dry, but it lacks a certain punch. Instead I just wanted to punch myself for purchasing the book in the first place. Waste of fifteen bucks...
The main gist of this book is that it's better to be aware of what you're doing and avoid the automatic categorizing of situations and people that your mind naturally does when making decisions for yourself or when dealing with others. There are also sections on learned helplessness, especially in the context of old age, creativity and workplace efficiency.
While it's interesting how many of her original studies have gone on to be included in other books over the years, the content ...more
While it's interesting how many of her original studies have gone on to be included in other books over the years, the content ...more
I probably would have never read this book (had I not been forced to for class) on the sheer virtue of its title. It sent me the unequivocal message that this book was going to not only be painfully obvious in its theme, but probably also excruciatingly preachy, going on for 200+ pages about a topic that could be expressed by one word, preferably capitalized, italicized, bolded, and underlined, in 70-point font: THINK. Add to that the fact that the original 80s version's cover design (not pict...more
My mom gave me this book to read while I'm home visiting and it is a quick read. It was entertaining and informative and I reconsidered many preconceived ideas about old age and really nailed home that your perspective creates your reality. If you think old people are helpless and treat them as such then they will be more likely to act the way they are treated. I have never had a fear of growing old because the majority of the people I respect and view as role models are old people. Everyone...more
Ellen Langer conducted research on the mind for twelve years in the department of psychology at Harvard and for fifteen years at Yale. She discusses her research on mindfulness and mindlessness as it relates to health, aging, work, discrimination, and every day living. Although the book reads a bit like a doctoral dissertation, it challenges the reader to analyze many things: why first impressions are often faulty; how we can better relate to the elderly; how managers can reduce burnout in th...more
One of the best books till date I have read due to the fact that it cuts a lot of loose talk which is not backed by research to make it a glossy seller like "blink" etc .The book deals with clear facts and stays on the ground with solidly backed experiments done to back every claim of concept made . Love this book for its simplistic approach and has a lot of dedication that has gone into it.
I enjoy the concept of "mindfulness."
Langer gives some solid pointers for how to create mindfulness in your day to day life. Examples:
* Create new categories
* Be open to new ideas
* Be aware of different perspectives
Overall - while the topic is solid, I found the book somewhat lacking.
Langer gives some solid pointers for how to create mindfulness in your day to day life. Examples:
* Create new categories
* Be open to new ideas
* Be aware of different perspectives
Overall - while the topic is solid, I found the book somewhat lacking.
Found this irritating. Subtitle should be, "little psychological tricks we like to play on people to show how we're smarter than they are." Left in in airplane seat. Book is 20 years old. I suppose it has more good points than I credit. It isn't about mindfullness like meditation.
interesting how we are mindless as much as we are mindfull or if not more. thinking about it, it is scary to be mindless thinking we are mindfull. so the next time you arrive to your office driving , just admire how you reached there. did you think of all the turns you had to take.
It's a rare book that combines empirical research and self-help and a rarer one that does it well. This book even goes beyond any self help the reader may be looking for and offers concepts to be applied on the micro and macro levels of organizations of all sizes.
This book is easy to read and although it is written long time ago it is still very relevant and inspiring. I like that the author speaks about mindfulness in balanced way without going into esotherism and philosophying.
While it was refreshingly straightforward for a required text, I found the plain language slightly disappointing. The statistics on experiments regarding changing your frame of mind were really fascinating, though.
It is truly amazing the power the brain has on the physical body. Reading this book reminds you to be aware of your thoughts and the impact they have on your well being, particularly as we age or as we face adversity.
Not nearly as good as her "mindful learning" book. Just skimmed this. Accretions of case studies and anecdotes don't prove a point. I didn't feel her compassion in this one, either.
If you expect this book from Yale's Ph.D. graduate-cum-Harvard Social Psychology Professor to be anything related to Buddhist concept of mindfulness, you're going to be disappointed. Because this book is about clinical type of mindfulness. And although the concept seems remotely similar, the whole idea, purpose, paradigm, etc., is not the same. If you want to know the kind of mindfulness that would help bring you out of suffering and get enlightened in life, try a meditation course or a book bas...more
A good book, free of new-age crap. Langer has written a useful primer for anyone interested in paying more attention to what's actually going on in one's life.
This is about the psychology of mindfulness, not the practice, but the effects of being less or more mindful, in the areas of aging, work, interpersonal relationships, health, and others. This book scarcely mentions meditation, as it considers that outside its scope. The subject of mindfulness is not complete without such an overview of the psychology of the effects of mindlessness and mindfulness. I just wish it were written better. It's not that it's written poorly, but it's just not very eng...more
Paul
marked it as to-read
Recommended by A Whole New Mind
So good. A must read.
I MINDLESSLY put this book down somewhere and it took me two days to find it again, on the dryer under a clean towel I hadn't folded. Talk about a need for mindfulness. I must've walked away mid-task, zombie style.
Interesting collection of research experiments pertaining to parenting, teaching, aging, creativity, all in the quest for mindfulness. I like reading about science experiments, but if that's not your thing, not for you.
Interesting collection of research experiments pertaining to parenting, teaching, aging, creativity, all in the quest for mindfulness. I like reading about science experiments, but if that's not your thing, not for you.
I appreciate that the book isn't written as a "self help", and approaches the mindfulness topic from a more scientific background. Although this also made the book somewhat dense and difficult to get through. (Note: I listened to the audiobook version. In print might have been easier to skim/skip ahead at rough patches.)
Before a lot of people started drawing clumsy Westernizations of Buddhist mindfulness, thisauthor did a ton of research into what she considers mindfulness, presents that research, and spends a thoughtful moment comparing and contrasting it to the Buddhist term. Still only half done, but considering this was published in 1989, it still resonates with sound data and rational conclustions more than many pop best-sellers out today.
I gave this book a 4 because I really liked the first half. The 2nd half felt bogged down, but then I didn't find some of the areas of focus in that part of the book interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half--very insightful
The author is a Harvard professor for about 20 yrs now. She spoke at a conference I attended in D.C. this year and was quite entertaining.
The book is a collection and synthesis of many of her experiments done at Harvard over the years. The focus of the experiments are how aware people are of everyday and obvious realities.
The book is a collection and synthesis of many of her experiments done at Harvard over the years. The focus of the experiments are how aware people are of everyday and obvious realities.
I loved how Dr. Langer consistently cited research to support her points. She writes clearly and intelligently and her writing style is gentle yet strong. This book made me think about a lot of the assumptions and generalizations I make, often without even realizing I'm making them. I've already recommended it to a few friends. Loved it.
Very interesting discussion of mindlessness and mindfulness, and its effects on people's psychology. This is not sensationalized self help sound bites, new age fluff, or zen platitudes. It is relevant and insightful stuff, backed by empirical evidence.
Patricia Brooks
added it
This is supposed to be one of the best books in this field - and it is after reading it - I did so many notes on this with a journal and will use it with my own work - thank you for giving it to us straight up.
Picked this up for class, but an excellent book about mindfulness (and mindlessness) - being aware of one's mental state and reactions to life.
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