Dan Harris (1) (1971–)

Although I'm not a yogi myself, I've always been intrigued by the practice.

While Dan may come across as a super privileged white man, he grapples with his own demons in a way that's relatable. It's refreshing to witness his struggles, skepticism, and eventual fulfillment.

Admittedly, I never felt like picking up the book at my usual reading times, it never truly left me ‘wanting more’. But once I started reading again, I found it to be quite engaging. I truly enjoyed it, and there were moments that had me laughing out loud, especially during the retreat chapter.

Overall a solid 4 for the fun! And who knows maybe I too can be 10% happier!… (mere)

This was more about Dan Harris and less about meditation than I expected but it was still a worthwhile read for me.

At times I considered abandoning it but pushed on and was ultimately worth it to take away the message that it's at least worth trying the practice to see if it helps. Having a skeptic who voices some of my own misgivings come around to supporting the idea is certainly compelling.

What I found most interesting is that many of the ultimate lessons Harris learned are things I think I already recognize and practice. I'm not sure if it's the Catholic upbringing (I've often said to my husband Mass to me is less about true faith and more about getting an hour to zen out in a place with familiar/comforting ritual) or the marathon running where I spend hours and hours in my own head doing little but breathing in and out and "noting" what's going on with my body. Perhaps I've been meditating all this time and just didn't know it!
… (mere)

I originally bought and read this book for a psychology class I was in during undergrad. At that time I was 20, and in a very different place in my life. Reading the memoir now, as a 25 year old (which is both no time and all the time difference at the same time), I found that I felt much more connected to and invested in the information. Before, I skimmed the book and briefly reflected on how I could probably benefit from meditation. However, when I read this story this time around I spent a lot of time making connections from the authors mindset to my own, and how meditation has and continues to improve my daily life.

Comparative to most self-help books, I think that Dan Harris really recognizes how those books aren't a cure all, and his book won't be either. Rather, he acknowledges there are benefits to mindfulness when you put the effort in yourself. There is a sense of personal responsibility in your own mindfulness and it made me feel powerful.… (mere)