10% Happier With Dan Harris

The radical shift in perspective that can come when we change our question from “what’s wrong with you” to “what happened to you?”Dr. Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network and a Professor (Adjunct) at the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria  Australia. Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Win

When you feel anxious about a difficult decision, meditation can help take the edge off and put you in touch with your own wisdom as a guide.About Oren Jay Sofer:Oren Jay Sofer teaches mindfulness, meditation and Nonviolent Communication. He has practiced meditation since 1997, beginning his studies in Bodh Gaya, India and is a long-time student of Joseph Goldstein, Michele McDonald, and Ajahn Sucitto, and is a graduate of the IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training program. Oren teaches retreats across the country and works as Senior Program Developer at Mindful Schools, teaching and developing curricula for one of the international leaders of mindfulness in education.To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “Making A Tough Decision.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Radical advice on rethinking success, individualism, and the American dream.Mia Birdsong is a pathfinder, culture change visionary, and futurist. She is the founding Executive Director of Next River, a think tank and culture change lab for interconnected freedom. In her book How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community, Mia maps swaths of community life and points us toward the promise of our collective vitality. In this episode we talk about:How to build communityWhat it looks like in her own lifeMutuality vs reciprocity How to work with resentment and rejection The etymological connection between friendship and freedom The transformative power of asking for helpAnd why she thinks the idea of bootstrapping—or going it alone—is a kind of self-hatredRelated Episodes:How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends | Dr. Marisa G. FrancoThe Many Benefits of a “Paradox Mindset” | Dolly Chugh. Ten Percent HappierEscape From Zombieland | Koshin Paley Ellison — Te

The surprisingly common experience of near death experiences and what science still can't explain about them.Sebastian Junger is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, Fire, A Death in Belmont, War and Tribe, and In My Time of Dying.  As an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a special correspondent at ABC News, he has covered major international news stories around the world, and has received both a National Magazine Award and a Peabody Award. In this episode we talk about:Junger’s near death experience and the impact it had on himThe conclusions he came to after investigation the possibilities of an afterlife The mysteries of quantum physics and what they might tell us about life and deathHow he believes we can all experience awe on a daily basis Related Episodes:How Thinking About Death Can Improve Your Life | Alua Arthur Neil DeGrasse Tyson on Why Having a “Cosmic Perspective” Will Help You Do Life BetterGeorge Saunders on: “Holy Befudd

Explore the preciousness of a new day with greater joy and ease while giving plenty of space to feel grumpy about it all.About Alexis Santos:Alexis has practiced and taught Insight Meditation in both the East and West since 2001. He has been a long-time student of Sayadaw U Tejaniya (a well respected meditation teacher in Burma whose teachings have attracted a global audience), and his teaching emphasizes knowing the mind through a natural and relaxed continuity -- a style of practice that's particularly useful during our crazy lives. Alexis has completed the Spirit Rock/IMS Teacher Training, teaches retreats across the globe, and currently lives in Portland, Maine.To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “When Waking Up Is Tough.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to find your voice when you need to be heard, learn when it's smart to choose silence, and communicate better with the people who matter most.Elaine Lin Hering is a former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for Triad Consulting Group. She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. She is the author of the forthcoming book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully.In this episode we talk about:How we learn silence and self-editing How we often miscalculate the cost-benefit when it comes to speaking up or staying silentElaine’s four steps to learn how to speak up and find your voiceHow we can unintentional

An acclaimed science writer on how to upgrade your mind by using more than your head.When you think about thinking, most of us think of it as a supremely solo pursuit. You’re in your head, concentrating and cogitating, all by yourself. But the science shows that if you want to improve your thinking, you need to get out of your head. Today we’re going to talk about a concept called “the extended mind.” Your mind isn’t just in your skull: it’s in your body, it’s in the people around you, it’s in your surroundings. The best thinking requires that you break out of what the writer David Foster Wallace called “the skull sized kingdom” and access these other resources. This may sound abstract, but our guest today makes it very practical. Annie Murphy Paul is an acclaimed science writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Scientific American, Slate, Time, and The Best American Science Writing, among many other publications. She is the author of Origins and The Cult of Personality, hailed

Connecting to self-compassion can be really tough. Ease the struggle by imagining your loved ones sending care & support your way.About Jess Morey:Jess Morey is a lead teacher, cofounder and former executive director of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education which runs in-depth mindfulness programming for youth, and the parents and professionals who support them across the US, and internationally. She began practicing meditation at age 14 on teen retreats offered by the Insight Meditation Society (IMS), and has maintained a consistent commitment to meditation since. Diving head first into meditation at such a key developmental stage makes the revelatory perspective of mindfulness & compassion her natural home turf, and gives her an easy, conversational teaching style anyone can relate to.For more information on Inward Bound: https://inwardboundmind.org/For more information on the Contemplative Semester: https://www.contemplativesemester.org/To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can s

Practical advice from a straight-talking, formerly incarcerated, occasionally profane dharma teacher.Vinny Ferraro is the Guiding Teacher of the Big Heart City Sangha in San Francisco and has led a weekly sitting group for almost two decades. As a fully empowered Dharma Teacher thru Spirit Rock/IMS, he has taught residential retreats at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and the Esalen Institute. Currently, he leads Spirit Rock's Year to Live course and teaches retreats and daylongs through Big Heart City and meditation centers across the country. He is a respected leader in developing and implementing interventions for at-risk populations. leading groups in schools, juvenile halls and prisons since 1987. He has led emotional intelligence workshops for over 100,000 youth on four continents.In this episode we talk about:AlignmentVinny‘s concept of “flashing your basic goodness”Noting practiceThe deep satisfaction in not seeking satisfactionRedirecting awarenessBeing an “empathetic witness” for yourselfWh

Actionable advice on working with one of the few socially acceptable vices.Whilst striving for perfection might seem logical on some level, it’s not actually attainable. And the research shows it can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, reduced productivity, and reduced resilience.Thomas Curran is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics and is the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough. In this episode we talk about:The definition of perfectionism – it’s more than just high standardsThe 3 flavors of perfectionismThe surprising findings on perfectionism and gender Perfectionism VS imposter syndrome The root of perfectionism The variables that lead to perfectionism Thomas’ critiques on capitalism and growth mindsetHow to actually implement mantras like “progress not perfection” and “embracing good enough”4 elements to combat imperfectionism The recipe for achie

What is happiness? Investigate how happiness is created, what it’s really like, and learn to access the simple happiness of right now.About Jay Michaelson:Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is the author of ten books, including his newest, The Secret That Is Not A Secret: Ten Heretical Tales. In his “other career,” Jay is a columnist for The Daily Beast, and was a professional LGBTQ activist for ten years. Jay is an ordained rabbi and has taught meditation in secular, Buddhist, and Jewish context for eighteen years.To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “What Is Happiness.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talking creativity and sanity with one of the world’s biggest pop stars.British-Albanian singer-songwriter Dua Lipa emerged as a global pop sensation with her captivating blend of sultry vocals, empowering lyrics, and infectious beats. Born in London in 1995 to Albanian parents, Lipa's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by her father's own musical career. She hosts the podcast Dua Lipa: At Her Service, and her latest album is Radical Optimism. In this episode we talk about:What she means by radical optimism – and how it applied when she literally fell on stageHow she resists the temptation to fully armor herselfHer famous work ethic and packed schedule  Her non-negotiable daily practices, including meditationHer social media hygiene (specially, how to stay sane when nearly 80 million people follow you on Instagram alone)And we have a great conversation about creativity, including how she builds psychological safety with her team in studio and on tourWhy she had to write 97 songs to

A research-backed plan for getting your sh*t together in every possible sphere.We’re going to talk about some smart strategies today with Emma Seppälä, Ph.D. She is a psychologist and research scientist, with an expertise in the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. She is the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and she also teaches executives at the Yale School of Management. She’s been on this show before, to discuss her best-selling book The Happiness Track. And today she’s back to discuss her new book, Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos. In this episode we talk about:What she means by that term, sovereignThe neuroscience of emotion regulationThe science of intuition – and how to work with it when you’re a critical thinkerHow our past can unconsciously bind us The impact of traumaThe latest evidence for the benefits of meditationAnd how to

The creator of somatic experiencing shows Dan how to heal trauma through the body. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., has spent the past 50 years developing Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in Biophysics from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. His work has been taught to over 30,000 therapists in over 42 countries. He is the author of the new book, An Autobiography of Trauma.Content warning: This episode includes discussions of rape and violence.In this episode we talk about:How to do somatic experiencing. You’ll see Dan play the role of guinea pig + make weird soundsThe difference between somatic experiencing and talk therapySomatic experiencing practices we can implement into our livesWhy some people feel horror/terror at the thought of re-occupying the body and how to overcome those fearsWhat the research says – and how these practices around body awareness have gone from the fringes to entering the scientific mainstreamAnd how to move through ancient wounds –

Tap into your ADHD superpowers with a meditation that celebrates your unique wiring. Embrace exploration and self-acceptance.About Jeff Warren:Jeff is an incredibly gifted meditation teacher. He's trained in multiple traditions, including with renowned teacher Shinzen Young. Jeff is the co-author of NY Times Bestseller "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics," and the founder of the Consciousness Explorers Club, a meditation adventure group in Toronto. He has a knack for surfacing the exact meditation that will help everyone he meets. "I have a meditation for that" is regularly heard from Jeff, so we've dubbed him the "Meditation MacGyver."More information on the group retreat (AKA Meditation Party) at the Omega Institute is here. To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “Meditating with ADHD.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buddhist strategies for taming that nagging voice in your head.Ofosu Jones-Quartey, a meditation teacher, author, and musician hailing from the Washington DC area brings over 17 years of experience in sharing mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion practices with the world. Holding a bachelor’s degree from American University and certified by the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, Ofosu is a graduate of the Teleos Coaching Institute and is the male voice on the Balance meditation app, reaching over 10 million subscribers. Ofosu leads meditation classes and retreats nationwide, having taught and led retreats at the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, The Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, Brooklyn Zen Center, Cleveland Insight, Inward Bound Mindfulness and more. As an accomplished hip hop artist under the name “Born I,” Ofosu released the mindfulness-themed album “In This Moment” in 2021. His most recent album is “AMIDA”, a spiritual, Lo-Fi Hip Hop album exploring life

How self compassion works, how to practice it, and what the research says about the benefits.GUEST BIO: Dr. Serena Chen is Professor of Psychology and the Marian E. and Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. Distinguished Chair for Innovative Teaching and Research at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the self and identity, interpersonal relationships, and social power and influence. She is a Fellow of the Society of Personality and Social Psychology, American Psychological Association, and Association of Psychological Science. Dr. Chen was also the recipient of the Early Career Award from the International Society for Self and Identity, and the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Social Sciences Division of the University of California, Berkeley.In this episode we talk about:The connection between self-compassion and authenticityAs well as self-compassion exercises that you can incorporate into your daily lifeHow self-compassion influences the desire for self improvementHow it can lead you to

Cara introduces you to the magic of doing less. These gentle no-frills instructions get right to the heart of meditation practice.About Cara Lai:Cara Lai spent most of her life trying to figure out how to be happy, or at least avoid total misery, which landed her on a meditation cushion for the majority of her adulthood. Throughout many consciousness adventures including a few mind-bendingly long meditation retreats, she has explored the wilderness of the mind, chronic illness, the importance of pleasure, and a wide range of other things that she might get in trouble for mentioning publicly. In the past, Cara has worked as an artist, wilderness guide, social worker and psychotherapist, but at this point she’s given up on being an adult in exchange for an all-out mindfulness rampage. Her teaching is relatable, authentic, funny and sometimes crass, and is accessible for many people. She teaches teens and adults at Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and UCLA; ultimately

Debating the cliche: Does everything happen for a reason? Plus, the Meditation Party crew tackles equanimity, work/life balance, and meditation vs napping.Sebene Selassie describes herself as a “writer, teacher, and immigrant-weirdo.” She teaches meditation on the ten percent happier app and is the author of a great book called You Belong. She’s based in Brooklyn. Jeff Warren is also a writer and a meditation teacher. He and Dan co-wrote the book, Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. He also hosts the Consciousness Explorers podcast. He’s based in Toronto. If you want to be part of the show, please call in with a question or comment. The number is 508-656-0540. Or you can email us with a voice memo at podcast@tenpercent.com with a voice memo. Tickets for the two more Meditation Party retreats this year at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York are available now. The last one was a blast. Come join us for both. One is in May, the other October. Related Episodes:How to Stay Calm No Matter Wh

Digging into the nuts and bolts of Stoicism with one of its best-known modern proponents.Ryan Holiday is a prolific author, whose books include The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Discipline is Destiny. His newest book, Right Thing, Right Now, comes out in June, and is available for pre-order now. Ryan is also the host of the Daily Stoic Podcast.In this episode we talk about:The history and theory of Stoicism, and some of its big names (including a former Vice Presidential candidate)Premeditatio Melorem, or thinking ahead to the worst possible outcome in order to avoid itMemento Mori, or being aware of the inevitability of one’s own deathAmor Fati, or “loving one’s fate” as a path to acceptance of realityJournaling as a key Stoic practice, of talking to oneself on the pageThe four Stoic values: Courage, Temperance, Justice, WisdomHow Stoicism and Buddhism overlap – and how they don’tRelated Episodes: The Dharma of Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Jasmine Wang & Iain S. ThomasSign up for Dan’s wee