Mindfulness and Multiple Intelligences: 8 Ways to Pay Attention

How are you smart?

Let me count the ways.

Harvard professor Howard Gardner was the first to describe the concept of Multiple Intelligences. According to this widely-accepted theory, we are each born with a certain amount of intelligence in each of eight areas, and we have the potential to harness or develop each of these throughout our lives.

In 1983, Gardner first described seven intelligences: linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal. He later added an eighth: naturalistic.

Nothing too earth-shaking about this. We all know gifted writers (using words), engineers (using numbers), artists (manipulating spaces), musicians (inspired by sound), athletes (using physical skills), counselors (understanding others), and biologists (passionate about nature).

But here's the one I find most interesting: intrapersonal. According to Gardner, someone with great intrapersonal intelligence enjoys spending time alone, likes being still in their own space, is especially adept at understanding themselves, and is inspired by contemplation.

Now, remember that each of us has at least a little of all eight kinds of intelligence, with one or two areas being the most dominant. Although we can increase our abilities in all areas, we are naturally attracted to certain activities. A person with dominant or developed intrapersonal intelligence is likely to be innately interested in silent contemplation and naturally drawn to meditation.

So....what about everybody else? If meditation comes easily to only a small percentage of the population, why is it that all approaches to mindfulness require sitting still and focusing inward?

If we use Multiple Intelligences theory as a way to recognize our different learning styles and natural tendencies, we see that there must be a number of ways to develop mindfulness without relying solely upon meditation.

Teachers around the globe are employing Multiple Intelligences theory in the classroom in order to prepare lessons that appeal to the learning styles of all types of students. The ultimate goal of learning specific material is the same no matter what, but this enlightened approach to teaching is inclusive and exhilarating.

If meditation fits only ONE of the eight intelligences (intrapersonal) we are missing out on seven other areas in which we can learn--and teach-- mindfulness! Being attached to a single approach is decidedly limiting and downright archaic.

If you find it difficult to get motivated to meditate, consider this: perhaps your particular combination of multiple intelligences would benefit from a different approach to mindfulness.

In other words, it's not you--it's the teacher! Or, more precisely, the teachings.

If meditation isn't working for you, take heart. There are seven other areas in which mindfulness training can inform, inspire and delight you.

That's what counts.

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she teaches fun and powerful eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com.

---

Run to Win

I was never much of an athlete growing up. Notoriously... Read More

Dont Settle

Settling is about not embracing what is best for you,... Read More

Addiction to Blame

Allen consulted with me because his wife of 18 years... Read More

Coaching Can Help Teachers At A Crossroads In Their Careers

Teachers enter the profession with the desire to help others,... Read More

Leadership Coaching at Gettysburg

The battle at Gettysburg is one of the most notable... Read More

Your Silent Voice of Experience

"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation... Read More

Coaching Skills for Peers: Extending Influence

Many people think of coaching solely as a management technique.... Read More

After July 8, Pay This Amount

You undoubtedly go through this, too. A few times a... Read More

Communicating Anger Compassionately

Whether it is irritability or unmitigated rage, anger is an... Read More

Masterminding Success - How to Start a Masterminding Meeting?

Masterminding is about a group of like-minded, achievement-oriented individuals who... Read More

Life - Is It Just An Illusion?

It's a well-known fact that electrons and atoms move at... Read More

The Mid-Life Challenge: Make a Plan to Re-ignite Vocational Passion

Nobody will stop you in the hallway at work to... Read More

4 Underused Hot Spots for Your Personal Branding Iron

I'll never forget what my mentor told me: "Don't communicate... Read More

Increase Your Intelligence With Music

You Are What You Listen ToCan music really help you... Read More

Going Beyond Life Coaching

In Corrogue the air is chill and the frost is... Read More

Q-Tip It!

Back in the 1920's when Polish-American entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang invented... Read More

A Numbers Game!

Three years ago, Paul left his corporate job to launch... Read More

Aim For Your Star

"Aim for your star, no matter how far, you must... Read More

W Edwards Deming

Immediately post second world war W Edwards Deming went to... Read More

Coaching for Results

He's a very successful sales manger who craves results. He... Read More

How to Make $100,000 Dollars as a Personal Trainer ? Part A for Attitude!

My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years... Read More

One BIG Way To Increase Your Values and Self-Esteem

One hour here, two hours there, even fifteen minutes, it... Read More

Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and... Read More

You Have The Right

The other day I was having a interesting conversation with... Read More

Three Great Ways to Deal with Negative People

1. Do not believe everything you hear!With close friends and... Read More

Coaching: Change Made Simple

Here's a story that I think gets at why we... Read More

3 Secrets to Developing Superior People Skills

1. If What You Are Doing Is Not Working Change... Read More

If What You Are Doing Is Not Working Change Your Approach

And ironically the more we worry about it, the more... Read More

Dare To Be Inconsistent, Lopsided, And Totally Courageous

I was talking to one of my coaching clients and... Read More

Embracing Excellence

Joey rises before dawn to pack his lunch, eager for... Read More

More Money & Less Stress?

At 2pm last Wednesday, I got a call from one... Read More

Be A Champion Communicator by Becoming a Chameleon

Recently, I worked with a client who was having a... Read More

The Long Way

I wrote you about four years ago, when my eight... Read More