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

Do yourself a favor...

In a world that is ever distracting and continually places requirement to be "on", finding something that can improve your ability to be tolerable to the people that matter most to you, and those that are forced to be around you, is more valuable that any material possession you can possess. Mr. Harris does an amazing job demystifying an ever apparent reality that being mindful of yourself benefits yourself and others around you. Worth every penny to experience this book.

excellent story

I did love it. it got me interested in really making meditation part of my regular routine. well done

Motivating and inspiring

I picked up this one only because of the so many positive reviews. My negative thinking mind doubted the authors media background for the promotions on this book. However after reading it I must admit it as one of the best books I have ever read. It is fascinating to read such life changing effects of mindfulness. I'm sure this book will motivate people to atleast try it.

Change of heart!

When I first started listening to Dan, I was skeptical about him and his storytelling. However, on the advice of a friend I pushed through the initial chapters and got hooked.

As a lawyer and meditator, I could really appreciate and identify with a lot of his story.

I recommend this book (which is also very funny in parts) to anyone interested in self development.

Loved this book

What did you love best about 10% Happier?

I love the candidness of the author, and how laid back he is approaching the topic of mindfulness.I recently red another book about mindfulness that just confused/and or put me to sleep. I've been interested in learning more about mindfulness for awhile now, and after the last book I thought maybe it just wasnt for me. In this book he made the concepts very digestible, and references lots of other reads that inspired him a long his journey into mindfulness. As others mentioned, it isn't exactly what I expected out of a self help book at first, as it is really very autobiographical, but I was still pleasantly surprised, and am very glad to have heard it. I couldn't wait to hear more half way through.

Great listen

I had no idea who Dan Harris was when I bought the book but I have experience in my family of drug abuse and a firm belief that stress is toxic so I listened. His voice took a little bit to get used to but it wasn't long before I liked it and I couldn't stop listening. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was written very well and I've recommended it to anyone who enjoys life stories that read like a novel instead of a text.

Amazing book!

I didn't dislike anything about this book. From the first chapter I was hooked! The authors personality and thought process matched mine to a tee. I am looking for meaning but naturally skeptical even when I try not to be.

If you are seriously interested in learning more about being happier, enlightened, or whatever word you attach to it....this is a must read!

The book is honest and hilarious and it kept me interested from start to finish and through the authors own journey I learned more about the start of my new journey towards being 10% happier. I could go on about this book but the bottom line is this is a great book!

conversational

quite enjoyable book... written as if it was an actual conversation... I'm looking to better myself... get some anger management and improve my happiness... this was a wonderful book to assist and guide me at the beginning of my journey

Entertaining AND Got Me to Meditate!

What did you love best about 10% Happier?

I found Dan Harris' book and narration to be at times laugh out loud funny, and irreverent without being preachy.

What other book might you compare 10% Happier to and why?

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, part autobiography, part self help.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from 10% Happier?

I started meditating a few days before I finished the book. I always felt like I didn't have time, plus, I had no idea how to go about it. I downloaded a free mediation app, and made the promise to mediate daily, even if for only two minutes. I am on a three month roll, only missing 2 days.

Any additional comments?

He takes a topic I previously thought of as boring and too 'out there' and helps us see that it can be a very grounding practice. He also entertains along the way. I appreciated his honesty with his life.

Refreshingly honest

Dan's story reminds me, that life is a process, and we all have spots in our journey, that help us learn. I appreciate his sharing, and will recommend to others.