Know Thyself

E153 - Dan Harris: How to Conquer the Voice in Your Head

16 snips
Jul 8, 2025
Dan Harris, a retired news journalist and bestselling author of '10% Happier,' shares his compelling journey from a panic attack on live TV to becoming a proponent of mindfulness. He discusses the transformative power of meditation and its role in taming the incessant inner voice. Listeners will discover how embracing life’s impermanence leads to emotional freedom and compassion. Harris also critiques the mindfulness industry, urging a return to authentic teachings, and emphasizes the significance of love-driven motivation for personal growth.
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ANECDOTE

Panic Attack Started Meditation Journey

  • Dan Harris had a panic attack live on ABC News in 2004 caused partly by cocaine use during depression.
  • This embarrassing moment led him to explore therapy and ultimately meditation as a healing tool.
INSIGHT

Love as a Meditation Skill

  • Compassion and love have become core to Dan's meditation practice and life now.
  • He views love as a skill set encompassing compassion, self-love, and equanimity.
INSIGHT

Experiencing Impermanence Through Meditation

  • Everything in life is constantly changing, but we often live as if things are permanent.
  • Meditation helps us deeply experience impermanence, reducing attachment and anxiety.
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