Topic: Mindfulness

Order Description Writing Assignment #2: Mindfulness Purpose of Assignment: Read chapters 1-5 of Ellen Langer’s Mindfulness book in which Langer describes how even the most intelligent human beings can act in mindless and uncreative ways. She does so through illustrations of social psychological research accumulated over many years. She also provides a description of mindfulness. For this writing assignment, you will describe what mindlessness is, how it comes about, the costs that we pay for mindless behavior, as well as describe the nature of mindfulness. Paper Components: (50 points) The paper will include the following three sections: 1. Introduction: (5 points, ~1 paragraph). Provide an overview of the paper. Write an opening paragraph that explains what you will focus on in your paper; after reading the introduction the reader should have a clear idea of the purpose of the paper. 2. Main Section: (35 points, 4-5 pages). a. Mindlessness – Describe: • What mindlessness is, • How it comes about, • And the costs that we pay—individually and as a society—for mindless behavior. For this section provide support for your descriptions by referencing Langer and her “Mindfulness" book as appropriate. As part of your discussion, provide examples from your own mindless behavior, either from the present or past. (OVER) b. Mindfulness – Describe: • The nature of mindfulness. For this section provide support for your writing by referencing Langer and her “Mindfulness" book as appropriate. Include examples of ways that you are mindful now, and strategies that you will use to increase your mindful behavior in the future. 3. Conclusion: (5 points, ~1 paragraph). Conclude your paper by reflecting on what you most learned from this assignment. What are the most important lessons you will take away? Paper Format Instructions ? 4-5 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1” margins, insert page numbers ? Organize your writing so that it flows logically. ? You will write in both a narrative (telling a story) and an expository (providing explanations/information) voice. In other words, you should show that you understand the concepts and that you can apply them to your own personal experiences. ? Please be sure to proofread and spell-check your document. Grading Rubric – Mindfulness Paper Section Components Points Introduction Purpose of the paper is presented clearly; topic is introduced in a well-focused way. 5 Mindlessness Section For this section reference Langer and her “Mindfulness" book as appropriate: • Describe what mindlessness is (5 points) • Describe how mindlessness comes about (5 points) • Describe the costs we pay for mindless behavior, both individually and as a society (5 points) • Provide examples of your own mindless behavior, either from present or past (5 points) 20 Mindfulness Section For this section reference Langer and her “Mindfulness" book as appropriate: • Describe the nature of mindfulness (5 points) • Include ways that you are mindful now (5 points) • Include strategies you will use to increase your mindful behavior in the future (5 points) 15 Conclusion Reflection on what was most learned from the assignment, and the most important lessons taken away. 5 Professionalism Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1” margins, 4-5 pages. Correct spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. 5 Total Points 50