Self, Science, and Sport: Mindfulness from Aristotle to Lebron James

Resources espousing mindfulness as a lifestyle, practice, or means of self-growth have exploded in the last few decades. Celebrities and scientists alike have taken to academic platforms and social media to champion the significance of a present state of mind. But what, if anything, do figures such as Lebron James and some of the earliest practitioners of contemplative practices like Aristotle have in common? This course studies mindfulness in its historical and contemporary context, examining the long and ancient history of looking inward and examining the self. We consider the emergence of mindfulness as a term and practice in the last century, whilst also considering the ways in which it is connected to—and distinct from—traditions past. We study some of the earliest discussions on reflective and meditative practices, beginning with the ancient Greek philosophers, moving on to Sufi and dervish literature, and ending with a study of the teachings of the popular, contemporary Vietnamese Thiên Buddhist monk, Thích Nhât H?nh. We consider how the notion of contemplation and mindfulness is presented and negotiated in the writings of each of these authors, and whether there are parallels to be found across histories and cultures. Then, we switch gears and adopt a more contemporary lens, studying mindfulness from the perspective of modern science. Several recent studies in psychology and medicine have attempted to place mindfulness and meditation in conversation with cognition and neuroscience. Our task is to better understand how mindfulness is measured, defined, and studied in these relatively new fields. Finally, we study the role of body and movement in contemplative practice. We ask why the body is so critical in ancient yogic wisdom on the mind, what modern notions of a flow state mean, and consider why athletes such as Bruce Lee and Lebron James understand their physical craft as intimately connected to a mindful mental state. As we study mindfulness beyond the mind, we supplement our studies of texts with analysis of non-literary and contemporary resources, such as the modern podcast, and artistic endeavors. Throughout the course we consider how our history and our present merge in the study of mindfulness and what it can disclose of our understanding of human experience.