10% Happier

How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works

By: Dan Harris

Narrated by: Dan Harris

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help, and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.

After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure, involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists. Eventually, Harris realized that the source of his problems was the very thing he always thought was his greatest asset: the incessant, insatiable voice in his head, which had both propelled him through the ranks of a hyper-competitive business and also led him to make the profoundly stupid decisions that provoked his on-air freak-out.

We all have a voice in our head. It's what has us losing our temper unnecessarily, checking our email compulsively, eating when we're not hungry, and fixating on the past and the future at the expense of the present. Most of us would assume we're stuck with this voice that there's nothing we can do to rein it in but Harris stumbled upon an effective way to do just that. It's a far cry from the miracle cures peddled by the self-help swamis he met; instead, it's something he always assumed to be either impossible or useless: meditation. After learning about research that suggests meditation can do everything from lower your blood pressure to essentially rewire your brain, Harris took a deep dive into the underreported world of CEOs, scientists, and even marines who are now using it for increased calm, focus, and happiness.

10% Happier takes listeners on a ride from the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news to the bizarre fringes of America's spiritual scene, and leaves them with a takeaway that could actually change their lives.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2014 Daniel Benjamin Harris (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

A story about Meditation different than I imagined

Dan Harris is funny, articulate, witty, and powerful. His searing take on meditation and his journey towards mindfulness is endearing, inspiring, and real. I loved his authenticity and direct style of sharing his path. I was delighted and surprised by this book. And found it a very easy and fun read regarding a topic that has the power to change my life. As much as I already know about these topics, I learned even more than I bargained for. And I find myself more interested and curious than I already was before. Excellent. I recommend this book for anyone curious about stress management, meditation, or living a fuller life.

inspiring

Enjoyed the partial biography and depth into meditation. Dan's story of discovering, or aspiring to, peace is helpful to me on my journey which has just begun.

Just What I Needed

I've been looking at meditation for a while now but I've read too many nonsense accounts promising the earth and sky... this was a much more realistic look at the benefits and it made me want to give it a go. Thanks to Dan Harris for an honest, warts and all, account of his experiences. Also, the reading is solid though occasionally oddly paced.

pretty good. thanks for sharing.

loved it. first few chapters were a bit dragging. however it picks up and it def worth the read.

Extremely relatable

Surprisingly interesting book and made me realize how every one of us has the "inner critic" or voice in our heads. I have long been interested in meditation so it was fun to follow along the author's journey.

Wonderful!!

I was completely engrossed the whole time and was sad when it ended. Highly recommended!

One of the best books I have encountered

Authentic, funny as hell and relatable. Perfect timing for my journey and one that I will listen to over and over. Thank you, Dan!

will be listening to his next book

Previously I had not heard of or seen Dan Harris, but he provided a very Interesting and educational listen. I'll be downloading his next book!

Snarky yet satisfying

Considering the author is a TV journalist, this is a book best listened to. I enjoyed his journey and his perspective on meditation.

Great book!

I was initatilly quite hesitant to pick up this book, as I assumed it would be pushing a self-help style approach. After listening to some podcasts with Dan Harris my opinion began to change. I'm very glad I moved past me initial hesitations, it's an excellent introduction book on meditation.