“We live so much of our lives pushed forward by these “if only” thoughts, and yet the itch remains. The pursuit of happiness becomes the source of our unhappiness.”
Dan Harris is a mindful correspondent for ABC and co-anchor for the weekend edition of Good Morning America. His mindfulness nature has not always been present. After having a serious panic attack on national TV he realised that change was necessary and began his search.
This book is his story and journey into how developing a mindfulness practice in life has allowed him to become 10% happier. It is a journalist’s approach to finding the truth to the spiritual world of America, the science behind meditation and many Buddhist insights into living a more deeply satisfying life.
He cuts through the bullshit in a very entertaining and vulnerable approach that has the ultimate benefit for those that might be sceptical about mindfulness to see it through a different lens. It is often the hype, the trendiness, the hippy-ness, the elements of spiritual mumbo-jumbo that prevent many of us from seeing the real benefits that can come from living with mindfulness.
Here is a list of some of the quotes from his work that I think share some of the insights he discovered and also the method in which he addresses them.
“There’s no point in being unhappy about things you can’t change, and no point being unhappy about things you can.”
“When you have one foot in the future and the other in the past, you piss on the present.”
“Everything in the world is ultimately unsatisfying and unreliable because it won’t last.”
“We live so much of our lives pushed forward by these “if only” thoughts, and yet the itch remains. The pursuit of happiness becomes the source of our unhappiness.”
“Meditation is not about feeling a certain way. It’s about feeling the way you feel.”
“The ego is never satisfied. No matter how much stuff we buy, no matter how many arguments we win or delicious meals we consume, the ego never feels complete.”
Dan shares his transition from a drug addicted partying lifestyle, one that relied on continual stimulation and pleasure to a life with greater satisfaction. He gives insight into how meditation changed his life and how we can all benefit from learning the art of meditation and mindfulness.
He faced a lot of rubbish and enlightened stories that seem to have no relevance or truth and also had many experiences that marked the breakthroughs and the path towards greater happiness.
The quotes above share some of these ah ha moments perfectly. One of the first discoveries he made was the realisation that the things we chase for in life in efforts to achieve greater happiness are often not what brings us greater happiness at all. They can actually assist to do the reverse – cause suffering or displeasure.
A constant battle for pleasure. A constant pursuit for the next dopamine fix, often just leaves us craving more. It forces us to attempt to force outcomes and situations that are outside our control. It makes us get held up in all that is not yet or all that has truly passed and in turn missing all that is. The things that we should and can be grateful for.
His personal awakening to finding satisfaction in life caused a sense of passivity towards life. Ambition for work and life declined. The lesson he came to understand is that ambition is not a killer to satisfaction. It is the attachment to the outcome that creates our ambition and is out of our control that when not achieved causes our disappointment.
The process to about creating the life we love need not be attempted half-heartedly, but purposefully. With love, with care, with passion. If what we expect to occur doesn’t occur, we mustn’t lose faith and fold our dreams. Actually, if we are mindful in each moment or each step along our journey, no matter the outcome we may just find ourselves greatly content. The outcomes are less relevant than the actual journey.
In my personal experience the search for happiness has lead me to greater places in life and how I feel. I have become more content with what is, what I have, and who I think I am. In meditation practice I have developed a heightened sense of appreciation, calmness and joy for life.
While I have noticed a decline in my drive I have also removed a lot of what is unnecessary in life. Stuff that cluttered my peacefulness that was formed out of ambition in chase of these external outcomes.
I focus more now on what I love and enjoy. I do things with passion. I take my time with things and continue to search for and find ways to improve how I go about living my life. I am happier and would with a hand on my heart say that I am 10% happier in life than I was 5 years ago.
I can relate to much of what Dan shares in his story. I feel he is several years ahead of where I am but his story gives me confidence in the direction I am heading. It also gives me great pleasure to recommend this book to anyone who is truly looking to live and create greater happiness in life. Enjoy!
If this book sounds of interest you can purchase 10% Happier here.
Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.
Peace, passion and purpose…
Other books that you may enjoy…
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
FIND YOUR HIDDEN WHY with THE HIDDEN WHY (THW)
BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND YOUR PASSION AND LIVE WITH PURPOSE
Sign up for free below and receive cool stuff from me each week + Plus a free copy of “The Four Pillars of Success”
In my weekly emails you will receive ideas, thoughts, learning’s and inspiration on:
- How to design a life that you want and live by your terms
- How to live a life with passion & purpose
- Methods, strategies, & techniques on life hacks
- Messages on how to better live your life
- We will also keep you up to date with fantastic interviews from THW podcast
Leave a Reply