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.
I have often heard motivational speakers say that the word... Read More
Nobody in business can fail to have noticed the recent... Read More
When you read books on personal development and articles about... Read More
Most people admire and respect strong individuals, who have won... Read More
Teachers enter the profession with the desire to help others,... Read More
Being a Life Strategy Coach doesn't mean I'm always on... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years... Read More
Three steps to your Personal Transformation:Awareness and PerceptionLaw of Cause... Read More
Joey rises before dawn to pack his lunch, eager for... Read More
In my work with individuals and couples, I see many... Read More
How often do you hear a parental voice in your... Read More
I've told people for a long time that one of... Read More
Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More
One of the ironies of mindfulness is that it's still... Read More
If you feel the heat of burn-out, it is possible... Read More
A new definition of retirement is evolving. It's one that's... Read More
Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she... Read More
Many of you reading this will be running businesses, or... Read More
And ironically the more we worry about it, the more... Read More
As a coach that specializes in marriage, couples and family... Read More
Ellen was brought up to be invisible. She was taught... Read More
Just before the storms hit last winter, my father-in-law and... Read More
I heard a story recently, and wanted to share it... Read More
As the title states, "Become an Information Filter and a... Read More
Having found a coach you feel comfortable and excited about... Read More
Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further... Read More
The "little bit extra" is a very powerful concept to... Read More
A career coach or mentor is a person who can... Read More
As responsible employers, parents, and friends, we have an obligation... Read More
Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part... Read More
Managing cash flow is every small business owner's most important... Read More
Why are you in business? Hopefully you enjoy what you... Read More
1. Do not believe everything you hear!With close friends and... Read More
"I don't see how I can just make up my... Read More
He's a very successful sales manger who craves results. He... Read More
Do you know an individual at work who is a... Read More
Updating my will has been on my mind for quite... Read More
Online counseling may be the latest and greatest improvement in... Read More
It is my personal opinion that there are two words... Read More
I am often asked how I stay happy and motivated... Read More
I don't know why, but it seems we trip over... Read More
"Don't shoot... We're on the same side."Contrary to popular belief,... Read More
So many people go through the motions of trying to... Read More
Seems like a gal always learns something out on the... Read More
I was talking to one of my coaching clients and... Read More
Work addiction is very common in our society today, yet... Read More
You know, what are you saying to yourself? There's always... Read More
Recently I have been watching a TV show called Blowout.... Read More
I saw a couple for marriage counseling this week, and... Read More
This story is being offered in response to a request... Read More
Did you know that the area that you call your... Read More
Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both... Read More
"People pleasing can leave you feeling empty and taken advantage... Read More
1. If What You Are Doing Is Not Working Change... Read More
Have you ever noticed this to be true?The best things... Read More
All of us would love to have personal power ?... Read More
Jim, a 42-year old engineer was teaching his eight-year-old son... Read More
I have one magical thought, lets see it more closely.... Read More
WARNING! If you want to have a fantastic life, never... Read More
"Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee... Read More
It never ceases to amaze me that every time I... Read More
More and more people have less and less time, but... Read More
The effective coaching of employees by their line managers is... Read More
Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More
Every relationship has conflicts. In some relationships, conflict is a... Read More
As a Master Certified Relationship Coach, I work with singles... Read More
Coaching |