Summary
10% Happier by Dan Harris is a funny and thought-provoking memoir about a news anchor's unexpected journey into the world of meditation. Harris, known for his coverage of wars and breaking news, shares the story of his nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, an event that made him realize his "price of security" motto and constant worrying were making him miserable.
Desperate for a solution, Harris embarks on a somewhat reluctant odyssey through the sometimes absurd world of self-help, including encounters with gurus like Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra. While intrigued by some of their ideas about the ego, Harris finds their practical advice lacking and is left wondering whether serenity is the enemy of ambition.
It's not until Harris meets psychiatrist and Buddhist practitioner Dr. Mark Epstein that his quest finds direction. Epstein introduces Harris to the world of Buddhism, an ancient tradition of meticulous mind-mapping and a more practical approach to dealing with the ego. Harris delves into Buddhist teachings, discovering concepts like impermanence, monkey mind, and the wisdom of insecurity, which start to resonate with his own experiences.
Despite his initial resistance, Harris is convinced to try meditation. After a painful but ultimately transformative ten-day silent retreat, he begins to experience the benefits of mindfulness. He develops the ability to respond rather than react to his impulses, which proves to be a superpower in the competitive world of television news.
Harris explores the growing science behind meditation, discovering research showing that mindfulness can change the brain and increase happiness, resilience, and compassion. He meets scientists and business leaders who are embracing meditation as a tool for improving performance and leadership, and he encounters unlikely meditation proponents like marines and the Dalai Lama.
As Harris's meditation practice deepens, he grapples with the balance between ambition and equanimity. He develops a set of personal precepts for what he calls "The Way of the Worrier," a practical framework for integrating mindfulness and success. He learns to "hide the Zen" and embrace non-attachment to results while still pursuing his career goals.
Along the way, Harris shares his humorous and humbling mishaps. He bungles interviews with celebrities like Paris Hilton and discovers that sometimes the greatest lessons in compassion and humility come from the most unexpected sources.
10% Happier is a refreshingly honest and accessible account of how mindfulness can benefit anyone, even a deeply skeptical newsman. Harris's book offers practical advice and encouragement for anyone seeking a more balanced and fulfilling life without sacrificing ambition.
This book has the potential to change your mind. The constant nattering in your head can lead you into temptation and stress you out. Learn to take control of your thoughts and be the one in charge, and perhaps you too can become 10% Happier. Don't quit your day job. Do some meditation.