September 01, 2024

Mindfulness Unveiled: The Power of Being Present

10 minutes

Hey there! Welcome to another life, passion, and business shortcast with me, Paul Harvey, your friendly midlife coach. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of chatting with hundreds of folks, and one thing has become crystal clear: our stories shape our lives. Everything we do, feel, or experience is based on the narratives we create.

Today, we’re reflecting on mindfulness. Have you noticed how it’s everywhere these days? But what does it actually mean, and is there any real value to it? Mindfulness has seeped into my life over the past five or six years, and I find it incredibly valuable. It’s often linked with Buddhism, emphasizing awareness and being present. However, I recently listened to a podcast called "People I Mostly Admire" with Steve Levitt, where he spoke with Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor known as the mother of mindfulness. She’s been working on this for about 40 years!

Ellen’s take on mindfulness is fascinating. Unlike the meditative practices from Buddhist traditions, her version is about being present in your daily life. It’s about being mindful of the moment, which is the foundation of all my coaching. Our brains naturally tend to disengage to save energy, like when we tune out during a familiar drive to work. Ellen advocates for being more mindful of our actions, which makes us more alive. She conducted a groundbreaking experiment where elderly men lived as if it were 1959, and their health improved dramatically. It’s worth checking out her work, especially her new book, "The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health."

This concept of mindfulness resonates deeply with me, especially when I’m running. If I focus on my goal with confidence, I achieve it with ease. Doubt, however, makes everything harder. This principle applies to all areas of life. By seeing the world with fresh eyes, we keep ourselves young and vibrant. Ellen suggests noticing new things about people and places to keep our minds engaged and alive. Her insights remind us that being mindful opens up a world of possibilities.

So this week, why not give mindfulness a try? See how it changes your perspective and brings the world to life. And if you want more inspiration, check out the podcast episode with Jeannie Blasberg. Her story is full of attention to detail and rich experiences.

As always, thank you for joining me on this journey. Your comments and feedback mean the world to me. Feel free to reach out through my website at lifepassionandbusiness.com for resources, coaching, and more.|

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Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

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