Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais How To Stay Calm Under Stress | Dan Harris
29 snips
Jan 14, 2026 
Dan Harris, a journalist known for his journey from a panic attack on live TV to championing mindfulness, shares insights on handling anxiety. He discusses how meditation acts like 'bicep curls for the brain' and explains the benefits of compassionate self-talk, particularly using the third-person. Dan emphasizes the importance of curiosity over cynicism and how exposure therapy can build confidence. He also explores the intersection of mindfulness with love and community, advocating for connection to reduce societal divisions.
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Panic Attack That Changed His Path
- Dan Harris had a panic attack on Good Morning America that transformed his life and led him to meditation.
- That incident sparked his book 10% Happier and a shift from news to mindfulness work.
Meditation Builds Self-Awareness Muscle
- Meditation is like a bicep curl for the brain: get distracted and start again to build self-awareness.
- That self-awareness lets you see thoughts without being owned by them, reducing reactivity.
Use Compassionate Third-Person Self-Talk
- Use compassionate self-talk when panic rises and layer it on top of mindfulness to regulate in real time.
- Try third-person self-talk (using your name) and gentle touch (hand over heart) to calm physiology.
