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10% Happier with Dan Harris

How to Gracefully Handle Defeat I Former Congressman Tim Ryan

Aug 18, 2023
In this insightful discussion, Tim Ryan, a former U.S. Congressman from Ohio and an advocate for mindfulness, shares his journey from politics to personal growth. He reveals how meditation and breathwork helped him navigate the stresses of a tough political campaign. Ryan candidly discusses the reality of conceding a race, the freedom of stepping away from the political spotlight, and the lessons on handling difficult personalities. He even touches on the ice bath craze and its surprising benefits for mental clarity and resilience.
41:18

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Quick takeaways

  • Meditation and breathwork helped Tim Ryan weather a brutal political campaign and stay focused.
  • Transitioning from politics to civilian life brought newfound freedom and opportunities for personal growth.

Deep dives

The Power of Mindfulness in Handling Defeat

The podcast episode features Tim Ryan, a former Democratic Congressman, discussing how his mindfulness practice helped him navigate a difficult and public defeat in a Senate race. Ryan shares how deep breathing techniques, such as Wim Hof breathing, and mindfulness meditation helped him stay focused and present during the campaign. He emphasizes the importance of staying in the moment and not getting caught up in personal animosity towards opponents, even in a highly polarized political environment. Ryan also talks about the need for compassion and grace in dealing with difficult people and situations, acknowledging that perfection is not attainable, but doing our best and responding with compassion can lead to positive change.

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