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10% Happier

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10% Happier

The Rational Reminder,

5 min read
3 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

A mindfulness meditation practice can help you increase your self-awareness, reduce stress, and improve decision-making.

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Best-selling author and former news host Dan Harris was on live national television when he suffered a panic attack that changed his life. In this episode of The Rational Reminder podcast, Harris chats with hosts Benjamin Felix and Cameron Passmore about the experience that led him to try mindfulness meditation. He delves into the benefits of meditation for improving happiness and reducing stress. Learn how to start your own mindfulness meditation practice in just a couple of minutes a day, and increase your self-awareness and ability to make good decisions.

Summary

Practicing mindfulness meditation boosts self-awareness and focus and reduces stress.  

For a long time, former TV news host Dan Harris dismissed meditation as “hippie nonsense.” His view changed drastically after suffering a panic attack on live television. Looking for tools to manage his stress and anxiety, Harris discovered a life-changing practice when he tried mindfulness meditation. This simple yet powerful practice derived from Buddhism centers on paying attention to the present moment, like the feeling of your breath or your body sitting, and noticing distractions without judgment.

Mindfulness meditation helps improve your self-awareness, creates a sense of calm, and boosts your focus. Research suggests that daily practice also decreases blood pressure, enhances immunity, and reduces activity in the areas of your brain associated with stress. Consider meditation like a “bicep curl” for your brain: you’ll begin to feel its benefits only with consistent practice.

When you start your meditation practice, you’ll probably hear a great deal of chatter in your head. Random urges, thoughts, and ...

About the Podcast

Dan Harris is the host of the 10 % Happier podcast and the best-selling author of books including 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story. Benjamin Felix and Cameron Passmore are Portfolio Managers at PWL Capital in Ottawa, Ontario. Together, they host The Rational Reminder podcast.

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