Jon Kabat-Zinn: The First Mindful President

Jon Kabat-Zinn discusses the qualities that suggest Obama may very well be the first mindful president. This was part of a talk put on by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.

http:/greatergood.berkeley.edu

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Jon Kabat-Zinn
• Barack Obama

[caper452]

Jon should not have gotten into politics. His obvious disdain of Cheney is not very Buddhalike. If he can't be the way he is espousing toward everyone then is it fake? Even if we all agree. Doesn't compute.

[108Romato]

I am reasonably confident that Jon Kabat-Zinn can tell the difference between the appearance of poise and mindfulness.

[utube2001890eg]

One should not confuse outward appearance of poise with mindfulness ... There are a lot of people who on the surface appear passionate, steady and strong and display the range of emotions that we often have read as anger ... Watch the old video clips of Gandhi ... does he look like some Buddha with half closed eyes, no he had eyes of steel ... and a determination that few can match today. Obama is a Poker player ... he is to be measured by the sacrifices he makes ... not the deals he cuts

[atheistcartoons]

Obama as president, like Bush, is sanctioning the prosecution of endless, pointless wars and continuing the militarization of foreign policy, imprisoning people indefinitely without trial, killing innocents in drone attacks and illegally spying on U.S. citizens. But unlike Bush, he's doing it in a measured, mindful way without his ego getting in the way. Somehow, I don't find that reassuring.

[suavedave69]

@gunengraver1 et al: Jon is not speaking about politics in any way.  He is not talking about the policies of the Administration or of any political party. He is addressing the personal qualities that Obama demonstrates, which he believes are mindful. I totally agree. Further, I would respectfully encourage you to continue in the pursuit of mindfulness yourself, starting with non-judgment. Peace and Love.

[strangestdude]

I'm always surprised how many seemingly good intentioned people were taken in by the Obama campaign's 'yes we can!' 'Change we can believe in' BS. Nothing has changed; the bailouts, wars, empty promises, other BS has remained and gotten worse.

[gunengraver1]

Here I am sitting on my danged yoga rubber pad giving mindfulness a good try because it makes sense to me and Jon barfs up this naive silliness about Obama. C'mon Jon we thought Bush was dumb, before we heard of Obama. Keep out of politics and stick with what you know please.

Obama or Bush? Same person Jon. Tell me what is different. Obama looks cool?

[snwbrd777]

The only thing Obama is mindful of is getting re-elected! He's been running for re-election from Day One!! He's a complete amatuer.. and the Jews who voted for him are finding out that he is more than ready to "throw them under the bus".

[RichyVapors]

ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's all Shakespeare, my good fellow.

[Fuentes2722]

when a fellow has the honor and opportunity to have spiritually gifted Mom, brilliant Father, and loving down to earth Grandparents....and a great brain himself, he turns out to be like Obama, and we are so fortunate to have such a man as the leader of our country, in such troubled times. Bush was taking us straight to the ditch. Financially, international reputation wise, (morally) and resources, both human treasure and natural treasures (wanted to sell and build on all undeveloped land)