Mindfulness Matters: How Perception Shapes Health

Dr. Ellen Langer is a trailblazer in psychology known internationally as “the mother of mindfulness.” She was the first woman to be tenured at Harvard in her field. Dr. Langer has been included in New York Times Magazine’s “Year in Ideas” issue for her revolutionary experiments in social psychology that have earned her global recognition. Additionally, she is the author of the bestselling books "Mindfulness" and "Counterclockwise," along with a plethora of other books. Dd. Langer has received three Distinguished Scientists awards, the Arthur W. Staats Award for Unifying Psychology, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Liberty Science Genius Award.

In today’s episode of Conversations on Healing Podcast, host Shay Beider speaks with Dr. Ellen Langer about mindfulness, her research findings and the mind body unity theory. The duo discuss the connection between mind and body and the implication this has for health and wellness in our everyday lives. Dr. Langer delves into a discussion of her most recent memoir “The Mindful Body,” that combines personal antidotes with a lifetime of research. Additionally, Dr. Langer shares how people’s perceptions and language can alter their lives. She offers that much of our health can be a self fulfilling prophecy, so shifting our attention and perception can make a significant difference. Finally, Dr. Langer talks about the innate capacity within each person to live a more happy and compelling life, and how individuals can tap into that hidden power.

Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

Show Notes:

Read more about Dr. Ellen Langer here

Look into “The Mindful Body” book

Read “Counterclockwise” here

Check out Dr. Langer’s book, “Mindfulness”

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch is committed to ending isolation in illness and transforming trauma through togetherness. The mission is to provide connection, wellness and healing opportunities that change the lives of anyone touched by pain, suffering, or medical challenges. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. 

The organization reaches thousands of people each year at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, through Telehealth, and in hospitals and communities. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a Heal it Forward model that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org