Lives Well Lived ELLEN LANGER: question everything
Jul 31, 2025
Join Ellen Langer, an influential psychologist known for her groundbreaking work on mindfulness and aging. She discusses how challenging societal norms can lead to a more engaged life. Ellen emphasizes the power of choice and belief in health, revealing how perceptions can significantly affect well-being. The conversation also touches on her famous counter-clockwise study that showcased the mind-body connection in the elderly. Langer advocates for embracing individuality and creativity to redefine aging and promote personal happiness.
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Mind-Body Stories That Inspire
- Ellen Langer witnessed her mother recover mysteriously from metastatic cancer, which deeply influenced her views on mind-body health.
- Contrastingly, Ellen once made herself sick by eating pancreas mistakenly, illustrating mind's powerful influence on body.
Mind-Body Unity Concept
- Mind and body should be seen as a single unit, not separate with mysterious connections.
- This view dissolves the puzzle of how thoughts affect physical changes, emphasizing their simultaneous unity.
Mindful Symptom Tracking
- Use your smartphone to check symptoms periodically and mindfully inquire if they improve or worsen.
- This active noticing can engage you and improve management of chronic illnesses.
