10% Happier

The fact that meditation is very much en vogue at the moment can be a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, it’s unfortunate that it’s a trend because that means it will soon be replaced with the next trend.

On the other hand, who cares?

Trend or not, more and more people are opening up their minds, literally and figuratively, to the connection between the mind and the body.

Internal happiness and health translates to external beauty.

10% Happier is the account of Dan Harris’ journey to a calmer mind.

It’s by no means a shortcut or a panacea of any sort, but a chronicle of one person’s various attempts at pushing past all the noises in his head to a slightly quieter mind.

After experiencing a panic attack on live television, Dan set out to address the cause of his anxiety and restlessness.

Meditation happens to be the route that proved to be most effective for Dan.

It’s therapeutic to learn about the chaos that lives in a seemingly “put together” person’s head.

It’s nice to be able to commiserate with someone who has made it past a hurdle.

What I liked most about this book is that it never claims that meditation is a cure. More importantly, it never claims that challenges will cease to be challenging.

Life is challenging.

You will continually have to work on working your way through the challenges.

The obstacles aren’t always easy, but the good news is that in most cases they are not impossible either.

I think it’s good to be reminded of that every once in awhile.

In 10% Happier, Dan Harris does a wonderful job of arguing both sides and using his journalist mind to address the skepticism felt by the reader.

This book is just another view; another approach to potentially handling life’s quirky ways.

Ultimately, the confidence, character, and strength one develops as a result of overcoming challenges are the reward you’re left with.