No Stupid Questions 50. Are You as Observant as You Think?
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Nov 30, 2025 Angela and Stephen dive into the intriguing world of mindfulness, exploring how noticing new things can alter our habits. Angela shares her experience of using mindfulness to savor coffee while cutting down on sugar. They also dissect the differences between mindfulness and meditation, emphasizing the power of present awareness. A deep dive into Angela’s sleep struggles reveals unexpected links between alertness and insomnia, with surprising insights about her mother's calming presence. Strategies for better sleep, including mental tricks, are also on the table.
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Use Novelty To Train Attention
- Try Ellen Langer's novelty-focused mindfulness by naming three new things in your environment when prompted.
- Use this brief exercise to shift attention and appreciate details you previously ignored.
Observation Revealed Hidden Preferences
- Stephen recalls noticing window mullions, blue sound baffles, and bare walls only after being asked to observe.
- The exercise revealed subconscious choices, like picking a royal blue baffle linked to childhood baseball memories.
Mindfulness As Noticing Novelty
- Ellen Langer's mindfulness emphasizes noticing novelty and present awareness without meditative ritual.
- This cognitive mindfulness contrasts with meditative traditions but shares nonjudgmental present focus.
