Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris • Ten Percent Happier

Discover the nuanced journey of a meditation retreat with Dan Harris's 'Ten Percent Happier' podcast, featuring insight from Spring Washam and the personal anecdotes of Dan's friend, Zev Borow. In this candid episode, listeners delve into the raw experiences of first-timers, like Borow, who faced mental challenges and the quiet confrontation with one's inner thoughts during the stillness of the retreat. On the other side of the struggle, profound realizations and a sense of presence awaited. Through the shared perspectives of Borow, Harris, and Washam, the intimate truths of these retreats unfold, offering a detox from our hyperconnected lives and an invitation to patience and inner understanding.

This episode also illuminates the valuable role of Dharma talks in meditation retreats, painting them as essential vehicles for encouragement and deeper insights into Buddhist teachings. From advocating daily acts of kindness to demystifying the illusory pursuit of perfection, the Dharma talks dissect core concepts that are transformative for retreat-goers. For those inspired to embark on this journey, the podcast provides practical advice on gaining access to the sought-after retreats. With Washam's tips on being proactive and persistent, even in the face of high demand and registration challenges, the episode lays out a clear and hopeful path for seekers of meditation retreat experiences.

In the latest episode of "Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris," Matthew Hepburn, together with Narayan Liebenson, dive deep into the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness. Hepburn presents an assertive case for meditation, detailing how it teaches practitioners to deal with life's challenges with calm precision, while Liebenson adds that a committed meditation practice instills a sense of bravery against the unpredictable nature of the future. Together, they offer vital insight into how refining one's focus on the present and accepting life's rollercoaster ride can build a stronger, more resilient character.

Celebrating a significant milestone, the podcast warmly invites listeners to the 10th-anniversary event of Dan Harris's "10% Happier" book. Attendees will be graced with wisdom from meditation experts Joseph Goldstein and Mark Epstein, experience a guided meditation session by a venerated instructor, and engage in a Q&A with Dan Harris. Additionally, the event extends its impact beyond the meditation cushion by contributing to the New York Insight Meditation Center, underlining the podcast's commitment to fostering mindfulness and compassion within the community.

Dive into the complexities of consciousness and personal transformation with Deepak Chopra on "Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris." In this thoughtful discussion, Chopra delves into the profound impact of meditation on genetic expression. He articulates how practices like yoga and specific breathing techniques can stimulate the body's vagus nerve, bolstering the parasympathetic nervous system. Backed by research from esteemed institutions and real-world data, Chopra demonstrates how these ancient practices can induce tangible, positive changes in inflammation control, heart rate variability, and the microbiome, uncovering a fascinating intersection between meditation and molecular biology.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Chopra explores the spiritual preparation for death, drawing parallels to Buddhist philosophy and discussing the role consciousness plays in our lives and beyond. With insights on how meditation, along with psychedelic assistance in palliative care, can alleviate the existential fear of death, he suggests a pathway to understanding the ego as an illusion and consciousness as the universal core of being. Additionally, Chopra shares his confrontation with criticism and how meditative practices like the Wheel of Awareness and karma yoga cultivate inner peace and equanimity, providing listeners with practical tools to foster a tranquil mind amidst life's inevitable fluctuations.

Join Dan Harris on the Ten Percent Happier podcast as he reflects on a decade of transformation since the release of his pivotal book, "10% Happier." Dan candidly shares his evolution from a traditional news anchor to an advocate for meditation, a transition that was catalyzed by his own mental health struggles and an epiphany following an on-air panic attack. Through personal anecdotes, he explains how the book has not only been a beacon for his readers but a continual source of growth for himself, influenced by the tenets of Buddhism and the guidance of esteemed teachers like Dr. Mark Epstein.

With a mix of humility and humor, Dan also opens up about how the unexpected fame post-publication propelled him into the spotlight, bestowing upon him the daunting mantle of a "quasi self-help guru." Embracing authenticity and shrewd skepticism, Harris engages in a thoughtful discourse about the intersection of his personal experiences with broader wellness culture. Additionally, listeners can look forward to a tantalizing lineup of future interviews, set to feature renowned voices like Deepak Chopra and Joseph Goldstein, promising rich discussions on overlooked spiritual concepts and personal journeys.

In the first part of this episode, meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg guides listeners through an instructional mindfulness practice focused on breath and mental noting—observing thoughts without judgment. She explains how this technique fosters awareness and is available on the 10% Happier app, which Dan Harris, the podcast host, promotes.

In the latter portion, Harris announces an upcoming 10th-anniversary event in NYC for his book, with guests like Joseph Goldstein and Dr. Mark Epstein. He also recommends NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast as a resource for improving financial literacy on topics like tax planning, travel budgeting, and investing strategies.