Episode 294 - Dan Harris: 10% Happier

In this episode, we delve into the world of mindfulness and meditation with renowned author and meditation advocate, Dan Harris. In our conversation, Dan shares his personal journey from a high-stress career in the news to discovering the transformative power of mindfulness meditation. We explore Dan's best-selling book, 10% Happier which chronicles his exploration into mindfulness practices after experiencing a panic attack on live television. We discuss how Dan's quest for inner peace led him to explore meditation, the core principles of Dan's 10% Happier philosophy, and how mindfulness can lead to incremental but significant improvements in happiness. Discover why Buddhism is a religion that skeptics can line up behind, the intersection of mindfulness and financial decision-making, and the importance of empathy and self-awareness for financial advisors. Gain insights into applying mindfulness principles to everyday life, strategies for building the skill of happiness, the basic steps to start meditating, and much more! Join us on this insightful journey as we explore how mindfulness can truly transform lives and empower individuals to live with greater purpose, happiness, and fulfillment with Dan Harris! Key Points From This Episode: (0:04:49) Dan shares his journey from a high-stress career in news to discovering mindfulness meditation. (0:06:48) What mediation is, why he initially thought it was nonsense, and why he changed his mind. (0:09:11) Unpack the idea of mindfulness and the science that backs up the claims. (0:11:22) The main thesis of Buddhism and its link to meditation.  (0:14:02) How mindfulness can help manage emotions, improve focus, and enhance relationships in everyday life.  (0:15:48) He shares how difficult it was for him to embrace the concept of meditation.  (0:21:12) Discover what motivated him to explore meditation and mindfulness practices.  (0:21:12) Recommendations to start meditating and how long it takes to form a habit of it. (0:26:56) Insights on applying mindfulness principles to financial decision-making.  (0:28:29) Explore the benefits of meditation for the comparing mind and the wanting mind.  (0:30:59) How mindfulness meditation has influenced his financial decision-making.  (0:33:20) The principles of 10% Happier from the perspectives of a client and advisor.  (0:35:45) Strategies for making your own happiness and cultivating contentment.  (0:41:03) Transitioning from a career in news to focusing on mindfulness advocacy and podcasting.  (0:42:32) His biggest lessons since writing the book and his most influential podcast guest.  (0:48:26) Hear about Dan’s version of success and happiness. Links From Today’s Episode: Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://twitter.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://www.pwlcapital.com/author/benjamin-felix/  Benjamin on X — https://twitter.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://www.pwlcapital.com/profile/cameron-passmore/ Cameron on X — https://twitter.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Dan Harris — https://danbharris.komi.io/ Dan Harris on X — https://twitter.com/danbharris Dan Harris on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/danharris/ Dan Harris on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DanHarrisABC Dan Harris on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/c/TenPercentHappier Dan Harris on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@danbharris 10% Happier — https://www.tenpercent.com/ Ten Percent Happier Podcast — https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast ‘Finding and Funding a Good Life’ — https://www.pwlcapital.com/finding-and-funding-a-good-life/ Dan Harris: Celebrating 10 Years of 10% Happier — https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/vp-dan-harris-10-happier-10-year-anniversary Emma Seppälä — https://www.emmaseppala.com/ Dalai Lama — https://www.dalailama.com/ Joseph Goldstein — https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/ Books From Today’s Episode: 10% Happier — https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/18505796