In this engaging conversation, Patrick Dempsey, renowned for his role as McDreamy in Grey's Anatomy, shares his deep connection with meditation, which he's embraced since the '80s. He discusses how mindfulness aids in his acting and competitive racing, alongside navigating personal challenges, especially during his mother's cancer battle. Patrick also highlights the Dempsey Center, his initiative to support cancer patients. With insights on the interplay between mindfulness, performance, and personal growth, this chat is a blend of inspiration and practical wisdom.
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Dempsey's Meditation Journey
Patrick Dempsey started meditating in the late 1980s for relaxation and self-discovery.
He deepened his practice through acting, racing, and even a stay at an ashram in India.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on the Breath
Dempsey emphasizes the importance of focusing on the breath as a centering technique.
Try to be mindful throughout the day, returning to your breath when your mind wanders.
insights INSIGHT
Racing as a Mindful Pursuit
Dempsey finds car racing to be a mindful pursuit, pushing him to his limits.
He describes this high-stakes, present state as how life should be lived.
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The Art of Racing in the Rain is a novel that explores the human condition through the eyes of Enzo, a dog who believes he will be reincarnated as a human. The story follows Enzo's owner, Denny Swift, a race car driver, as they navigate life's challenges, including love, loss, and family struggles. The novel uses racing as a metaphor for life, emphasizing balance, anticipation, and living in the moment.
Going to pieces without falling apart
Mark Epstein
In this book, Mark Epstein argues that happiness does not come from material or psychological acquisitiveness but from letting go. He weaves together the wisdom of Buddhism and Western psychotherapy to illustrate how balancing the ego's need to do with our inherent capacity to be is crucial for achieving happiness. Epstein encourages readers to relax the ever-vigilant mind and relinquish control to experience freedom and a more peaceful, spiritually satisfying life. The book draws on events from his own life and stories from his patients to teach the importance of self-acceptance and the benefits of meditation in achieving this balance[2][3][5].
10% Happier
Dan Harris
In '10% Happier,' Dan Harris shares his personal journey of discovering the benefits of meditation. Initially a skeptic, Harris, a news anchor, found himself on a path of self-discovery after a nationally televised panic attack. He delves into the world of spirituality and self-help, encountering various figures including brain scientists, CEOs, and spiritual leaders. The book explores how meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being without compromising one's ambition or edge. Harris emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in making one more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges, though it does not eliminate problems entirely[2][4][5].
Patrick Dempsey is not just a pretty face. Sure he's widely known for playing McDreamy, aka Dr. Derek Shepherd, on ABC’s Grey's Anatomy, but that hardly scratches the surface. A meditator since the 1980's, he's used the practice to find the right state of mind for both his acting and professional race car driving. He's even traveled to India to further his practice. His mental training proved valuable during his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer, and he has since been inspired to start the Dempsey Center, which "makes life better for people managing the impact of cancer." In this enlightening conversation, he explains how mindfulness is a driving force in every aspect of his life. Plug Zone The Dempsey Center: https://www.dempseycenter.org/ The Dempsey Challenge: https://www.dempseycenter.org/dempsey-challenge/ ***VOICEMAILS*** Have a question for Dan? Leave us a voicemail: 646-883-8326
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
