10% Happier with Dan Harris

Sebene Selassie, a meditation teacher passionate about guiding others to their inner wisdom, shares insightful methods for tuning into one’s body. She discusses the importance of cultivating inner listening to access bodily wisdom and differentiates it from racing thoughts. With guided practices, Sebene helps listeners pose questions about their immediate needs and desires, encouraging them to trust their instincts. Her approach emphasizes connecting with and clarifying bodily sensations, making meditation a practical tool for self-discovery.

Joseph Goldstein, a senior Insight Meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares profound insights after his latest silent retreat. He discusses the three proliferating tendencies that fuel self-centeredness and explains the importance of understanding non-self in Buddhist practice. Joseph introduces practical meditation techniques, including using passive voice to reduce self-referential thinking and focusing on the elements to dissolve the sense of ownership. This conversation offers a masterclass in lightening the burden of self.

Pico Iyer, an acclaimed travel writer and author, explores the profound benefits of silence and retreat. He reflects on his experiences at a Benedictine monastery, revealing how silence can heal feelings of separateness and ego. Iyer discusses why many fear silence and connects retreats to personal crises, emphasizing their transformative power. He shares practical daily practices to cultivate calm, including limiting news intake and embracing nature. Travel, he argues, can strip away distractions and deepen connections with others.

James Kimmel, Jr. is a Yale psychiatry lecturer and the author of The Science of Revenge. He discusses the deep-seated neuroscience behind revenge, revealing how it can activate addiction-like cravings in our brains. James shares his own childhood bullying experience and the link between revenge and empathy. He also offers practical strategies for letting go of grudges, advocating for forgiveness as a healthier alternative. Listeners learn about his innovative Miracle Court app, designed to facilitate the emotional release from revenge desires.

In this conversation, Sebene Selassie, a Buddhist teacher and author of You Belong, shares her transformative journey into meditation, spurred by her cancer diagnosis. She discusses the profound link between suffering and personal growth, emphasizing how individual paths to resilience can emerge from shared experiences of hardship. Sebene explains her innovative teaching style, rooted in lived experience, and introduces her unique meditation practices focused on present awareness and exploring embodied tension. A truly insightful dialogue!

David Gelles, a New York Times reporter and author of *Dirtbag Billionaire*, dives into the innovative ethos of Yvon Chouinard and Patagonia. He explores the concept of being a 'dirtbag' as a minimalistic lifestyle and how Chouinard has revolutionized ethical capitalism. Gelles discusses challenges within traditional capitalism, ways to nurture young minds about wealth, and the coexistence of Buddhism and business ethics. He offers practical advice for living sustainably while pushing for a more equitable future amid environmental crises.

Trudy Goodman, a mindfulness expert and voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in The Midnight Gospel, discusses the importance of self-trust and staying calm in uncertainty. She shares her insights on rethinking enlightenment as an ongoing journey and emphasizes the role of compassion in building self-love. Trudy delves into intuition, recounting how it has guided her life, and highlights the vital support of community in enhancing self-trust. Listeners also get a glimpse of her playful side and her journey of self-discovery.

Shankar Vedantam, a journalist and the host of Hidden Brain, explores the unexpected benefits of self-deception in his latest book, Useful Delusions. He argues that our brains' ability to filter reality enhances relationships and supports empathy, even amid modern chaos. Shankar discusses the evolutionary roots of self-deception, its adaptive role in parenting, and when it becomes harmful. He provides insights on how understanding our own delusions can foster compassion towards others and improve communication, especially in challenging situations like vaccine hesitancy.

Join writer and leadership coach Jo Confino along with Brother Chan Phap Huu, a Zen monk and former attendant to Thich Nhat Hanh, as they explore the essence of Zen. They delve into mindfulness and humility, revealing how simple routines can hold profound meaning. Discover the beauty in mundane tasks, the sacredness of everyday objects, and the balance between sophistication and simplicity in spiritual practice. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt guided meditation, inviting listeners to embrace gratitude and presence.

In this enlightening conversation, Kamala Masters, a renowned Dharma teacher and meditation instructor, dives into the art of equanimity and mindfulness. She highlights how everyday tasks, like doing the dishes, can become moments of awakening. Kamala offers practical advice for parents navigating the 'hell realm' of raising children, emphasizing self-compassion and realistic expectations. With a focus on adapting equanimity phrases for personal interactions, she encourages listeners to find balance to maintain presence and meaningful connections in their lives.