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Friday, April 3, 2015

Let Your Inner Baby Guide You to Greater Happiness and Learning

Photo Credit: Amanda Mills
Innovative research from Johns Hopkins University finds that infants have innate knowledge about the world and that knowledge creates expectations about how objects should behave. 
One surprising finding from this research is that when babies' expectations are defied, they are far more likely to learn. Simply stated, babies learn best when their expectations are defied.

In contrast to a baby's natural response of being curious and attentive to objects and situations that defy expectations, most adults finding themselves in similar situations are triggered toward negative emotional reactions such as anger, frustration, or overwhelm. In the presence of these negative emotions and reactions, our ability to explore and learn is severely restricted or eliminated totally.

Choosing a Different Response:

I suggest we choose a different response when objects, people, or situations don't behave as we expect them to. Choose to follow the ancient wisdom of Lao Tzu when he said,

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."


Rather than resisting what is, become curious. Let the spirit of lightness and wonder replace frustration. You'll experience far more happiness and learning will occur spontaneously because you are in alignment with the natural order of life.

To learn more about this innovative research that highlights the role novelty and expectation plays in a baby's learning, watch this YouTube video from John Hopkins University:



















Steve

photo 
Stephen Carter
Stress Solutions, LLC
    

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licensed medical professionals for any and all medical, psychological, or physical conditions.


Resource References:


Abstract of article published in the journal, "Science": http://www.sciencemag.org/content/348/6230/91.abstract



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