Counterclockwise

Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility

By: Ellen J. Langer

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

If we could turn back the clock psychologically, could we also turn it back physically? For more than 30 years, award-winning social psychologist Ellen Langer has studied this provocative question, and now has a conclusive answer: opening our minds to what's possible, instead of clinging to accepted notions about what's not, can lead to better health at any age.

Drawing on her own body of colorful experiments - including the first detailed discussion of her landmark 1979 "counterclockwise" study in which elderly men lived for a week as though it was 1959 and seemed to grow younger - and important works by other researchers, Langer proves that the magic lies in being aware of the ways we mindlessly react to cultural cues.

Counterclockwise shows how we can actively challenge these ingrained behaviors by making subtle changes in our everyday lives. Langer describes ways to reorient our attitudes and language in order to achieve better health: she shows us the ways in which our belief in physical limits constrains us; and she demonstrates how our desire for certainty in medical diagnosis and treatment often prevents us from fully exploiting the power of uncertainty.

Scientifically riveting and practically empowering, Counterclockwise holds enormously exciting implications for our general health - including vision, old age, cancer, weight, and heart health - as well as for our fundamental happiness.

©2009 Ellen J. Langer (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

RN, BSN- 32 YRS

eye opening. many examples of how I'm not as mindful as I thought I was. and how many ways there are to think about things. I'm a nurse, and always on guard to fully understand why/ why not take a medication.

Made a difference

Helped me be aware of approach and attitude towards my own aging…a must read.

Amazing

Everyone should read this book- especially health care providers! I have been inspired by her work!

Required reading for anyone over the age of 50

Don't let the negative reviews keep you from reading this book. Readers with an open mind will be able to see the wisdom in these pages.
The key points I took away: our medical system does not have all the answers (though many inside it believe they do) and our society leads us to believe in things that will adversely affect our health.
But please do not judge the book on these bullets. The background information contained in this work provides enough information for the thinking person to seriously reconsider long held beliefs. While my headline indicates the book should be read by the middle aged and up, I encourage all adults to expose themselves to the ideas presented in Counterclockwise.

More of the same

This book is very similar to her other book titled Mindfulness, in that some of the same studies are in both books. This book discusses the virtues of being mindful. A topic that if practiced on a daily basis would reduce much strife in the world. If you like the author and the narrator, get the book, otherwise find an alternative author and narrator.

Change Your Mind, Re-wind the Clock

Fascinating proof that we can extend life and reverse aging based on thoughts and beliefs.

Essential information about aging

If you haven't been exposed to this information before, this is a must listen. If you have, it is still interesting and entertaining.

At times regions, but enlightening and inspiring

A+ reading, in sound quality, intonation and speech nuances. Could be much shorter, but length allows for useful reflection and personal applicability.

Mindful Health

Expectations and beliefs are the center piece of Ellen Langer's "Counter Clockwise." In the process she gives us a clear, thorough understanding of the self-fulfilling prophecy in action. Extremely practical, Langer brings research and professional insight into many critical aspects of our lives and how our mental models influence our health, well being, and life benefits.

In this book Langer introduces the mind/body relation in a particularly intersting way. The various chapters contain redundancy and repetiion, but every few lines she provides helpful insight worth the wait. The writing is clear and easy to follow and the reading of Sandra Burr is excellent.

excellent research & translation to outside world

Many areas of the book were quite readily accessible. You could try to on for size. The research lended credibility to theories now becoming familiar. the counterclockwise study was the focus thus quite some time is spent in the details. I want to go back and read hee prior books on mindfulness..