The Mindful Body: Harvard’s Dr. Ellen Langer On The Power Of Mindfulness, How Thoughts Can Control Health, & Using Perspective To Lower Stress

This podcast features Rich Roll interviewing Dr. Ellen Langer, focusing on her theories about mindfulness, decision-making, and the mind-body connection. The conversation explores Langer's concept of "making the decision right" rather than focusing on making the "right decision," illustrated by her anecdote about her house burning down. They discuss the limitations of prediction and the importance of embracing uncertainty, highlighting how our mindset significantly impacts our experience of events, such as fatigue and sleep. Langer emphasizes the power of actively noticing new things to enhance engagement and well-being, challenging conventional wisdom on topics like sleep, delayed gratification, and even the meaning of life. The interview concludes with a discussion on the importance of understanding motivations behind actions rather than judging them, promoting a more mindful and fulfilling life.