How to Live in the Moment-How to Build a Happy Life, Ep. 4, with Dr. Ellen Langer

Рет қаралды 10,315

2 жыл бұрын

If there’s one thing we might regret at the end of life, it’s that we missed out on moments that mattered-not because we weren’t physically there, but because our mind wandered off to some unknown place.
In this episode of How to Build a Happy Life, we explore why it’s uniquely challenging to “live in the moment,” how we limit our own curiosity by assuming that we know best, and why the illusion of stability pulls us from living every day fully, and in the moment. A conversation with the Harvard University psychology professor Dr. Ellen Langer helps us think through a daily struggle: How do I stay present?
This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A. C. Valdez. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Sound design by Michael Raphael.
Be part of How to Build a Happy Life. Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com or leave us a voicemail at 925.967.2091.
Music by Trevor Kowalski (“Lion’s Drift,” “This Valley of Ours,” “Una Noche de Luces”), Stationary Sign (“Loose in the Park”), and Spectacles Wallet and Watch (“Last Pieces”).
🎨: Mark Peterson / Corbis / Getty / The Atlantic
🎥: Mary Stachyra Lopez
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Пікірлер: 12

@TheXeeman 2 жыл бұрын

i live in the moment by distracting myself of the future and the past by mindlessly watching youtube videos and going to bed regretting what i did and repeat the cycle the day after

@remlya 2 жыл бұрын

All of my previous bad experiences and the horrible ways I have been treated by others are like heavy blankets that keep being added and smothering me. Trying to get out from under that pile by dwelling on why it happened and how my life could have been different is making me miss out on the present moment.

@Enoo-Wynn 2 жыл бұрын

Would something that requires focus to succeed help? It could be a crochet pattern, dance steps, skateboarding, riding a mountain bike down a technical trail, maybe reading.... well millions of things could qualify. (It's tempting to keep listing!)

@hori166 2 жыл бұрын

While everybody else on the subway in Tokyo is glued to their "devices" I'm busy watching them. It's live theater; endless entertainment scrutinizing what people are wearing. I also love walking for the same reason. When you're not in a hurry, the scenery doesn't go by in a blur. Rather, you can stop when something catches your eye, even a flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." (Pascal)

@psyfiles7351 10 ай бұрын

Awesome!!!

@hori166 2 жыл бұрын

@11:40 "...pictures on vacation" A lot of my friends take pictures of the food whenever we go to a restaurant. When asked why they do this, they answer, "So I can remember it later." I suggested that rather than take a picture before they eat, to take one after they're done with the cutlery, smeared sauce, and uneaten remnants. This way, they can actively participate in reconstructing the moment. This is often met with dumbfounded silence...

@saardfetner8620 Жыл бұрын

Good idea. Thank you.

@giovannafralonardo2991 9 ай бұрын

Very deep 👍❤️

@DJSTOEK Ай бұрын

❤❤

@inside101 2 жыл бұрын

I don't agree with your premise about why people take pictures. I take pictures to remember the beautiful moments I stumble upon. It's a practice that makes me grateful for my experience. It's strictly for me and has nothing to do with anyone else.