10% Happier with Dan Harris

Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez, co-founders of the Holistic Life Foundation, share their transformative journey of implementing a meditation-instead-of-detention initiative in Baltimore schools. They discuss the challenges of working in underprivileged areas and the impressive results from teaching mindfulness, including improved student behavior and emotional well-being. Their insights emphasize the power of compassion, community, and mindfulness in fostering resilience among at-risk youth, offering practical strategies to enhance self-love and well-being.

George Saunders, author of the acclaimed novel 'Lincoln in the Bardo' and the recent 'Liberation Day,' discusses the concept of 'holy befuddlement' as a remedy for rigid thinking. He dives into how reducing dogmatism can help us be less self-righteous. The conversation covers managing expectations, the impact of meditation on creativity, and the importance of moral ambiguity in storytelling. Saunders highlights that even small acts of kindness can ignite change and emphasizes the complexities of forgiveness and empathy in both life and art.

Sharon Salzberg, a meditation pioneer and bestselling author, dives into self-love and its profound benefits for personal growth and relationships. She discusses how self-acceptance can transform lives, contrasting the harshness of self-criticism with the nurturing power of self-compassion. Drawing on cultural perspectives, she highlights the importance of kindness during tough times like the pandemic. Sharon also shares insights from her upcoming book 'Real Life,' emphasizing liberation and connection in understanding love. Tune in for enlightening thoughts on cultivating empathy!

Pascal Auclair, a seasoned Dharma teacher and core instructor at the Insight Meditation Society, shares insights from his extensive Buddhist practice. He discusses seven factors for awakening that can transform suffering into joy, bridging the gap between difficult and beneficial mind states. Auclair emphasizes practical applications of these teachings in everyday life, particularly in improving relationships. The conversation encourages self-compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner happiness through ancient mental training tools.

Tuere Sala, a seasoned Dharma teacher and former prosecutor, shares her insights on managing overthinking through meditation. She emphasizes that thoughts aren't our enemies but rather natural occurrences to navigate. Sala offers practical strategies to redirect attention from negativity and underscores how recognizing thoughts as sensory experiences can enhance mindfulness. The conversation explores the relationship between identity and thoughts, advocating for self-compassion and living in the present to free ourselves from habitual patterns.

In this engaging conversation, Bonnie Duran, a Dharma teacher and Director at the University of Washington, delves into the Buddha's five hindrances that obstruct meditation and everyday life. She discusses practical techniques like the RAIN method to help identify these obstacles, including desire and aversion. Duran emphasizes the importance of cultivating mindfulness and compassion, sharing insights on managing negative emotions and enhancing mental clarity. Her unique blend of Buddhism and indigenous practices offers refreshing strategies for personal growth.

Karen Armstrong, a former nun and renowned author on religion, shares profound insights on shedding self-centeredness to lead a more authentic life. She discusses using nature to boost happiness and offers the Confucian practice of 'quiet sitting' as a transformative tool for awareness and connection. Armstrong reflects on her journey, describing how her nun experience sometimes heightened self-preoccupation. Ultimately, she encourages small acts of kindness as a pathway to ecological consciousness and a deeper appreciation for the sacredness of life.

In a fascinating discussion, esteemed Buddhist scholar and monk Bhikkhu Bodhi dives into the importance of mindfulness in recognizing and managing our mental states. He explains the concept of 'mindfulness of mind' and how it can help us detach from negative emotions like anger and fear. Bhikkhu shares insights from the Satipatthana Sutta, discussing its relevance in meditation practices and the distinctions between calm and insight meditation. He emphasizes the need for self-observation and gentle awareness to foster a balanced and empathetic approach to mindfulness.

KC Davis, a TikTok sensation and author of 'How to Keep House While Drowning,' dives into the stigma around housework. She emphasizes that messiness isn’t a moral failing, urging listeners to view chores as neutral tasks rather than obligations. Davis shares practical strategies for rethinking domestic expectations, stressing self-compassion over perfectionism. Her mantra, 'Your space exists to serve you,' encourages a more relaxed approach to maintaining a home, ultimately promoting the idea that personal well-being should take priority over societal standards.

Malcolm Gladwell, acclaimed author and podcast host, engages in a thought-provoking conversation on the merits of working in an office versus remote work. He discusses the backlash to his views and emphasizes the importance of kindness and sacrifice in today's corporate culture. Gladwell reflects on his 10,000 hours theory, his biggest journalistic mistake, and the necessity of understanding diverse perspectives. The dialogue also touches on lessons from historical injustices and the mental health challenges faced by athletes, offering listeners valuable insights for personal growth.