Langer (1989) defined mindfulness as a cognitive process, with attention and awareness of external influences. This enables the individual to learn new concepts and new ideas through paying attention. Cognitive mindfulness is “the process of drawing novel conclusions” (Langer and Moldoveanu, 2000a, p. 1). Langer (2000) used the term ‘mindful learning’ to describe cognitive mindfulness. Proponents of mindfulness as strictly a cognitive process, rather than a contemplative one, focus on the new knowledge (facts) learned and the creativity that is possible when one uses mindfulness. Langer (1997:4) discussed three key principles of mindful learning or cognitive mindfulness:
•Continuous creation of new categories
• Openness to new information, and
• Implicit awareness of …show more content…
I contend that these principles of mindful learning are very similar to the attitude and actions of contemplative mindfulness that practitioners described above. Langer (1989, 2005), though, made a clear distinction between cognitive mindfulness and contemplative mindfulness. She agreed that mindfulness is being open to the moment without judgment to see things in a new way. However, she also stated that improvements in focused awareness and learning can occur by practicing the three principles of cognitive mindfulness without adding any contemplative mindfulness practices such as meditationlearning, amind/body connection is a critical feature which helps the individual become more aware and more involved in the present moment but this is not meditation or contemplation (Langer, 2000). The mind/body connection in mindful learning considers being open to what an individual can learn through his/her senses of touch, smell, hearing and taste. Rather than contemplating or focusing on concepts and ideas constructed in the past, one is made more aware of the present context and draws new conclusions when employing mindful learning. Other researchers and educators(e.g. Hart, 2001a)support
•Continuous creation of new categories
• Openness to new information, and
• Implicit awareness of …show more content…
I contend that these principles of mindful learning are very similar to the attitude and actions of contemplative mindfulness that practitioners described above. Langer (1989, 2005), though, made a clear distinction between cognitive mindfulness and contemplative mindfulness. She agreed that mindfulness is being open to the moment without judgment to see things in a new way. However, she also stated that improvements in focused awareness and learning can occur by practicing the three principles of cognitive mindfulness without adding any contemplative mindfulness practices such as meditationlearning, amind/body connection is a critical feature which helps the individual become more aware and more involved in the present moment but this is not meditation or contemplation (Langer, 2000). The mind/body connection in mindful learning considers being open to what an individual can learn through his/her senses of touch, smell, hearing and taste. Rather than contemplating or focusing on concepts and ideas constructed in the past, one is made more aware of the present context and draws new conclusions when employing mindful learning. Other researchers and educators(e.g. Hart, 2001a)support