Coaching Information

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.


MORE RESOURCES:

Bodog Beat

Ex-Seahawk Jim Zorn's approach helps him stand out in coaching role
Seattle Times, United States - Nov 20, 2008
By Danny O'Neil PAUL SANCYA / AP Jim Zorn was the starting quarterback in the Seahawks' first season and returned as quarterbacks coach in 2001. ...
Zorn, again: Former assistant returns with Redskins Seattle Post Intelligencer
Zorn thinks Holmgren will return to football The Associated Press
Why Are the Seattle Seahawks Free Falling? Bleacher Report
Washington Post - Washington Post Blogs
all 422 news articles


Fighting Irish Insider

Little news on the coaching search
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Nov 20, 2008
Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood is in town interviewing with athletic director Scott Woodward for the head coaching job, as I explained in my ...
UW coaching search - Rumors flying fast and furious Examiner.com
Report: Houstonian Haywood interviews with Washington Houston Chronicle
Haywood expected back from trip to Washington Rivals.com (subscription)
Chicago Tribune - South Bend Tribune (subscription)
all 23 news articles


Clemson coaching search heats up, again
Daily Journal, SC - 8 hours ago
By Will Vandervort (Contact / Staff Bio) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Clemson coaching search to replace Tommy Bowden continues to roll right along even as ...
Spiller thrust into spotlight The State
all 6 news articles


San Diego Union Tribune

Three-time Olympian, 61, still cycling, coaching
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 18 hours ago
By Don Norcross John Howard represented the United States at the 1968, '72 and '76 Olympic Games in road cycling. He won the Ironman Hawaii triathlon in ...


Benefield has done best coaching job
Times-Journal, AL - 8 hours ago
During his first 16 years as a head coach, Benefield led his teams to the state quarterfinals six times, the state semifinals twice and the Class 2A state ...


Fitz scores 36, Giorgis gains coaching record in Marist victory
Times Herald-Record, NY - 6 hours ago
Rachele Fitz scored 36 points and Marist coach Brian Giorgis became the school's career leader in coaching victories as Marist crushed Northeastern 93-65 ...


Lindenhurst loss bitter end to Biancaniello's run
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
Biancaniello said he doesn't want to retire and plans to continue coaching. "I need a new challenge," he said. "I'll be coaching football somewhere; ...


UF success puts coordinators on head-coaching hot list
Florida Times-Union, FL - Nov 20, 2008
By Michael DiRocco, The Times-Union GAINESVILLE - Florida football coach Urban Meyer knew he'd eventually have to deal with losing one or both of his ...
Head to Head: Florida vs. The Citadel GatorCountry.com
Gator Gameday Gatorsports.com
Citadel a heavy underdog The News Herald
all 24 news articles


Final game not just drop in the Bucket for Tiller
International Herald Tribune, France - 15 hours ago
So forgive the old Cowboy if he gets a little sentimental Saturday against Indiana, especially if he finishes his coaching career by reclaiming the Old ...
Tiller gearing up for coaching finale in Bucket Game The Herald-Times (subscription)
Tiller prepares for last Oaken Bucket game Journal and Courier
IU-Purdue in the bucket Evansville Courier & Press
Journal and Courier - Journal and Courier
all 26 news articles


May wins coaching debut
Briton SportsNews, MI - 9 hours ago
ALBION - Jody May was a winner in his debut as Albion College's head men's basketball coach as the Britons turned back Defiance College, 82-65, ...
• New Albion coach opens with a bang MLive.com
all 3 news articles

Coaching - Google News

home | site map
© 2008