10% Happier with Dan Harris

Sebene Selassie, a prominent meditation teacher and writer, dives into the urgency of addressing race and personal responsibility in the wake of social unrest. He discusses how meditation can help individuals navigate complex emotions like pain and anger, while also reflecting on internal biases. Selassie emphasizes the importance of compassion and awareness, urging meditators to engage meaningfully with societal issues. Personal stories enrich the conversation, showcasing resilience found in shared human experiences and the necessity for allyship amidst ongoing challenges.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the renowned spiritual leader and advocate for peace, shares profound insights on coping with pandemic-induced anxiety and grief. He emphasizes the role of compassion and community during crises, urging a focus on shared humanity. Joined by Richard Davidson, a leading neuroscientist, they discuss meditation's transformative effects on the brain. They explore resilience, joy in nature, and the importance of humor in challenging times, revealing the Dalai Lama's unique approach to life amidst adversity.

Pema Chodron, a renowned Buddhist nun and teacher, shares wisdom on navigating life's uncertainties with humor and grace. She emphasizes that groundlessness is a fundamental life fact and encourages welcoming chaos as an opportunity for growth. Pema discusses practical mindfulness techniques for befriending fears and releasing anger for emotional liberation. With heartfelt stories, she highlights resilience, compassion, and the importance of self-awareness, proving that even in turmoil, there’s room for lightness and connection.

Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and pioneer in end-of-life care, argues that while the pandemic isn't a boon, it is a pivotal moment for self-reflection. She shares her motto: 'strong back, soft front,' urging us to develop resilience and compassion amidst adversity. The conversation explores the transformative power of love, the need for empathy towards one another, and the importance of slowing down to reassess values. Her insights provoke thoughts on privilege, societal change, and the essential role of kindness in fostering community.

Ezra Klein, founder and editor-at-large of Vox.com and author of 'Why We're Polarized,' shares insights on maintaining sanity during tumultuous political times. He explores the 'Coronavirus culture war' and discusses how mindfulness can help individuals depolarize. Klein candidly addresses his own anxieties and struggles with meditation amid crisis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with local politics and cultivating empathy, advocating for a balanced approach to navigating our increasingly divided society.

Dr. Mark Epstein, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, delves into the rise of bizarre dreams and the strain on family relationships during lockdowns. He discusses how collective trauma is reshaping our emotional landscapes and the importance of mindfulness in navigating these challenges. The interplay between meditation and therapy is explored, shedding light on how dreams can aid emotional clarity. With humor and vulnerability, Mark emphasizes the need for compassion and self-acceptance in these uncertain times.

Dr. Sarah Schnitker and Dr. Kate Sweeny, researchers on patience and coping with uncertainty, team up with meditation legend Sharon Salzberg. They discuss how patience can be nurtured through practices like meditation and cognitive strategies. The trio dives into the emotional challenges of waiting during stressful times and explores the role of mindfulness in fostering emotional well-being. They also touch on the balance between optimism and a healthy dose of pessimism, emphasizing that patience is a skill that can be developed, not merely an innate trait.

Rev. angel Kyodo williams, an influential Zen teacher and author of "Radical Dharma" and "Being Black," dives deep into the societal impacts of the pandemic. She challenges the notion of guilt as a barrier to authentic compassion while advocating for loving-kindness meditation to foster empathy. The conversation shifts from broad issues of societal division to personal reflections, emphasizing that inner change is essential for outer transformation. As the dialogue evolves, she reveals how meditation can bridge personal and social struggles, urging listeners to embrace awareness and connection.

Gretchen Rubin, a celebrated author and lawyer known for her best-selling books on happiness, joins the conversation with practical strategies for everyday life. She emphasizes the importance of decluttering to boost mental well-being and offers insights on managing family dynamics and technology use. Rubin discusses the balance between self-care and ambition, encouraging a compassionate approach to expectations. Her lighthearted tips on treating oneself without overindulgence make this chat both engaging and relatable.

Jack Kornfield, a pioneering meditation teacher and former Buddhist monk, discusses the human struggle with uncertainty, especially during crises like a pandemic. He emphasizes how meditation can help ease anxiety and foster resilience. Kornfield highlights the importance of self-compassion, encouraging listeners to cultivate mindfulness as an act of love. He shares insights on navigating divisiveness and embracing life's challenges, reminding us that acknowledging our fears can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.