podcast episode about the art of paying attention and hyperreflection, hosted by positive psychology expert Lisa Cypers Kamen

Paying Attention: The Art of Observation with Christian Madsbjerg

Original Air Date Wednesday, October 25, 2023

When we are truly curious about why things happen and why others do what they do, our judgment is suspended. We begin to gain empathy for the plight of others which opens our own lives up to deeper experiences, textured understandings, and richer lives. But paying attention in a world full of distractions is becoming a lost art.

To discover the many ways expanding our observation can serve humanity, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the co-founder of the consulting firm ReD Associates, Christian Madsbjerg. Christian is a speaker and author of the book, Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World.

He describes the beauty of hyper-reflection, provides tips for regaining our ever-decreasing skill of observation, and shares how stepping away from digital devices can revitalize our senses.

Tune in:

Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio · Paying Attention: The Art of Observation with Christian Madsbjerg

Meet Our Guest:

Christian Madsbjerg is co-founder of the consulting firm ReD Associates. He writes, speaks, and teaches widely on the practical application of the human sciences. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Financial Times, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg Businessweek. He lives in New York City with his family.

Book: Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World

Christian Madsbjerg — The Art of Observation:

Christian describes the different types of attention and how they impact connection. {2:16}
An example of how true observation empowers people to solve problems effectively. {7:57}
In his book, Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World, Christian provides examples of the beauty in hyper-reflection. {11:44}
How to regain the observation skills we have lost and hone in on the ability to pay attention. {16:11}
The human body has adjusted to observing things differently because of the digital accessories we carry. {22:22}

Follow Christian Madsbjerg:

Shareables:

“When we tell our children — pay attention — what we really mean is — listen to me.” — Christian Madsbjerg on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “It's not only that by observation you relate to the world in a more nuanced, textured way. It's also that if we do it together we can heal some of our differences.” — Christian Madsbjerg on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Observation is the tonic. It's the vaccine against all the screaming, all the misunderstanding, and all the conflict.” — Christian Madsbjerg on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Observation is a skill all humans have and we can all be better at it.” — Christian Madsbjerg on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.