I’m here today with someone whose name and face will probably ring a bell. Dan Harris is an Emmy award-winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline and the weekend edition of Good Morning America. He’s also the author of 10% Happier, a New York Times bestseller, and went on to launch the 10% Happier podcast and app by the same name.
His new book is Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics and I just loved the name because I’ll admit when I try to meditate that’s exactly how I feel. I read the book and I can’t wait to jump into today.
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics (or, How to Meditate When You Can’t Sit Still)
Like most of my guests, Dan Harris is where he is today because of a personal health crisis. Many of us know what it’s like to struggle with anxiety and maybe have even experienced a panic attack (myself included), but I’m pretty sure none of us can say it happened on live national television.
Dan describes what happened to him that day:
I was overtaken by this big bolt of fear. My heart was racing, my palms were sweating, my mouth dried up, my lungs seized up, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t talk and I had to quit right in the middle of my little newscast.
Years later, he’s turned that paralyzing experience into a platform to help others. Dan’s message is that meditation isn’t just for yogis and Buddhists, but a practical health habit that helps us see and understand our thoughts and emotions.
If you’re like me and are reluctant to sit still and do “nothing” (but know it would be good if you could), this episode is for you!
In This Episode You’ll Learn

the very personal (and very public) crisis that inspired the 10% Happiness project
why Dan decided to give meditation a try (even though he thought it was bologna)
the physical health benefits of meditation
why meditation isn’t just for religious people
how to handle boredom while meditating
tips for wanna-be meditators
why meditation is not “doing nothing”
how much meditation a day you need to get the benefits (how does one minute sound?!)
and more!

Resources We Mention

Video: Dan Harris’s Story
10% Happier Meditation App
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-To Book (2017)
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 (2014)
10% Happier Podcast

More on This Topic

502: Dr Joe Dispenza on Changing Your Thoughts, Emotions, & Life
105: How to Beat Anxiety and Resolve Panic Attacks With Targeted Amino Acids