Scientific research is revealing what many of the world's wisdom traditions have known for a long time, that mindfulness and learning are inextricably linked. To state it simply, people feel better and work more effectively when they take time to slow down, sit quietly, reflect, listen, and open their minds. This practice, sometimes called mindfulness, contemplation, or reflection, can mean the same thing or different things in different circles, both sacred and secular. I think of mindfulness as conscious awareness in the moment, free of judgment.

I think we need to bring mindfulness into the lives of busy and often-stressed people. For a start, I'd like to see more people nurture their ability to be fully present through the contemplation of works of art. I'm building my idea on a successful program underway in New York City called The Art of Perception (www.artofperception.com), a website dedicated to educating the way people perceive their world.

What I propose to add are mindfulness exercises such as reflective writing and appreciative inquiry. The latter is a learned style of communication that encourages careful listening and skillful speech, an effective accompaniment to silent contemplation. These techniques are imperative in professions such as medicine and law but can be useful tools in effective human interactions anywhere.

I think this kind of learning approach to mindfulness could offer significant value for individuals as well as the community. It's also fun.

Grace McKnight is a certified feng shui consultant specializing in quiet spaces for the workplace. She is completing a master's degree in theology and religious studies, with a concentration on mindfulness and learning, at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.