In full disclosure, this should have been my first blog post. It was the thing that ignited my inner self to pursue meditation. To go for it. If you've read my previous posts, I've commented how my wife is usually.....ok......almost always right. She is the one who time and time again said, "Maybe you should look at meditation." As explained in previous posts, I listened...
At the time I found this book, I was tinkering with a few meditation apps (Insight Timer mostly) and not really knowing what I was doing. I was just doing it. As I read this book, I quickly learned that there is no right or wrong, but there had to be more to this. So I kept reading.
I admired Dan Harris for his brutal honesty, his directness in word choice, and his ability to call bullshit when he sees it. In essence, the book is his journey to understand exactly what is mediation, why it is helpful and where indeed is the science behind it all.
Without spoiling too much, Dan Harris once had a humiliating panic attack on air as a national news host. After learning why he suffered this attack, he sets out on a mission to help tame his anxiousness. What ensues is his comprehensive journey to find truth, scientific evidence and something that would make sense to apply to his life.
If you are not a reader, then here is footage of Dan Harris telling his story on Nightline.
WARNING: Some book spoilers here, but like most situations, the book is much better, goes much deeper and is way more informative.
If you are reading this and have ever wanted to start a meditation practice, but you were not sure how, this book is for you!
If you have read my previous entries, my first several posts are committed to those resources which have shaped my practice, my journey. It's me deepest wish that I can pass them along to others.
Since I've read this book for the second time, the Ten Percent Happier website has evolved exponentially. You should check it out. The podcast is exceptional. The resources are vast. While you do have to pay for some app access, what is there is sound, practical and backed by science, something I always look for.
It was this book, that sealed the deal for me: that mindfulness is a superpower and I needed to make it part of my every day life.
Recognize that voice? I really like the stuff that Happify puts into the world. Adults and children alike can relate. It's funny, student and adults chuckle at the same point every time I show this video. It's just brilliant.
So there you have it. Another resource to share. Nothing fancy here. Just a great book, with great resources that changed my life.
OH! And that's me.....on the right.....three years ago...meeting Dan Harris!
and several pounds previously (I know, mindfulness says no judging. I'm simply noting that this was several pounds ago.)
