Dan Harris, a mindfulness skeptic turned advocate, shares insights on meditation, mindfulness, and happiness. He discusses the intersection of humor and observation in cultivating happiness, the importance of wellness tools for well-being, embracing relationships and mindfulness, and navigating imperfections on the path to betterment.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
On-Air Panic Attack
Dan Harris, a skeptical news anchor, had a panic attack on live television.
This experience led him to explore meditation, which he previously dismissed.
insights INSIGHT
Skepticism Towards Meditation
People are skeptical of meditation because of its presentation, cultural biases, and fear of reduced achievement.
Many see it as feminine and associate it with weakness.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Making Meditation Appealing
Use scientific evidence to convince skeptics about meditation's benefits.
Re-language concepts like mindfulness to make them more approachable.
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If you’ve ever felt apprehensive about trying something seemingly woo-woo to improve your mental health (like meditation, mindfulness, or simply touching grass) you're not alone. Dan Harris was a mindfulness skeptic anchoring on ABC News when an on-air panic attack sent him into a journey that had him searching for what constitutes well-being. Dan hosts the Ten Percent Happier podcast, and authored a book of the same name. This March, he celebrates the book's 10th anniversary. With a skeptic’s sense of humor and a curious, philosophizing mind, Dan talks about what he's learned in his exploration of meditation, mindfulness, and happiness. You’ll hear about the scientific data that could sway even the toughest cynic – and learn the tools and tricks that can help you build the skills that can make life (and you) a little bit better. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts