10% Happier with Dan Harris

Join Dr. Richard Davidson, a renowned neuroscientist and founder of the Center for Healthy Minds, as he explores the concept of 'wise selfishness' alongside insights from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They delve into how to effectively handle anger and manage adversarial relationships. Davidson shares a rare encounter where the Dalai Lama expressed anger towards him, illustrating the balance between compassion and emotional intelligence. The conversation highlights the profound impact of mindfulness and altruism on personal happiness and mental well-being.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Richard J. Davidson, a leading neuroscientist and collaborator with the Dalai Lama, dives into profound issues of social connection. They discuss how the Dalai Lama's surprising acts of compassion can help us combat loneliness and enhance our social fitness in today's fractured world. The episode also addresses the complexities of grief, the balance between sorrow and humor, and practical strategies to foster compassion in our daily lives. Plus, there's a light-hearted moment that illustrates the Dalai Lama's playful nature!

Join a captivating journey to Dharamsala, where a unique exploration of happiness with the Dalai Lama unfolds. Discover how compassion can thrive amid global challenges like climate change and terrorism. Reflect on the balance between kindness and practicality when faced with difficult interactions. Hear young activists challenge the Dalai Lama’s teachings and explore deep metaphysical concepts, including rebirth. This immersive experience combines personal insights and spiritual wisdom, inviting listeners to cultivate true happiness through connection.

In this conversation, Adam Grant, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and organizational psychologist, shares his insights on perfectionism and procrastination. He distinguishes between neurotic and normal perfectionism, noting a rise among youth. Grant introduces the idea of a 'failure budget' and discusses how to measure success differently. He also explores the balance between creativity, vulnerability, and the pressure of seeking external validation, providing strategies for overcoming procrastination and fostering personal growth.

Dacher Keltner, a leading happiness researcher and professor at UC Berkeley, explores the transformative power of awe in this enlightening conversation. He explains how awe is essential for our well-being and distinct from other emotions. Keltner shares strategies to cultivate awe in everyday life, emphasizing its links to morality and community. Discover how nature, music, and collective experiences can heighten our sense of wonder and connection. He even discusses the role of awe in navigating grief and fostering personal growth.

Brené Brown, a research professor and bestselling author known for her work on vulnerability and empathy, reveals that most people can only identify a few basic emotions. She discusses the importance of emotional granularity, explaining how mapping 87 key emotions can enhance self-awareness and relationships. Brown also highlights the need for boundaries in meaningful connections, challenges the concept of reading emotions in others, and emphasizes the power of naming feelings, particularly in overcoming shame and fostering deeper connections.

Gretchen Rubin, a best-selling author and speaker renowned for her insights on habits and happiness, discusses her Four Tendencies framework. She reveals how understanding whether you're an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel can transform your approach to habit formation. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness in making successful changes and tackles the complexities of decision-making and accountability. Rubin also shares insights on parenting and motivating those with rebellious traits, making habit-building relatable and actionable.

In this engaging conversation, Kevin Griffin, a seasoned Buddhist practitioner and author of 'Living Kindness,' shares insights on the balance of love and attachment. He discusses how to love without clinging and the nuances of self-love as an act of kindness. Griffin highlights the difference between loving kindness and living kindness, emphasizing that compassion can exist without attachment. They also explore the Metta Sutta's teachings, offering practical guidance on cultivating emotional connections while recognizing the challenges of love and suffering.

In this engaging discussion, Loretta Ross, a radical Black feminist and activist, champions the idea of 'calling in' as a more compassionate alternative to the divisive 'calling out.' She shares insights on fostering constructive conversations in a polarized society and the nuances of social justice. Loretta emphasizes the importance of empathy and tailored communication to bridge gaps and transform dialogue toward accountability. With a focus on listening and understanding, she offers practical strategies for maintaining humanity while engaging in difficult conversations.

Tara Brach, a meditation teacher and author, discusses the dangers of self-criticism and its impact on self-acceptance. She shares the concept of being addicted to self-hatred and presents simple meditative techniques, like RAIN, for self-forgiveness. Brach emphasizes the importance of recognizing our inherent goodness and cultivating kindness towards ourselves to combat feelings of inadequacy. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of self-compassion and how it can enhance personal growth and relationships.