Dan Harris – Taming The Voice In Your Head
From Skeptic To Meditator. Dan Harris Shares How He ‘Tamed The Voice In His Head’ & How You Can Too
Dan Harris is co-anchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. He is a correspondent for ABC News and regularly reports for 20/20, World News with Diane Sawyer and weekday editions of Good Morning America. He has travelled extensively as a news correspondent including Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is also the bestselling author of 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Truly Works.
In this interview Dan talks candidly about his own journey into mindfulness and how he went from being a skeptic to being a very public advocate of meditation.
You’ll also learn about…
- How the voice in your head can be ‘tamed’ through mindfulness practice.
- Why meditation won’t make you lose your edge. How it makes you more focussed and productive
- The practical benefits of mindful living (that every A-type needs to hear).
Language warning. There is a bit of swearing in this one.
Show Notes
Join The Mindfulness Summit Journey here
Come and join the community discussions at any time on our Facebook page
Together with Joseph Goldstein, Dan has created a mindfulness app for every day people which you can check out here
His book can also be found here
Audio
Video
Transcript
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Purchase a full access pass to unlock downloads for the full interview transcripts, audio, video and separate audio meditation tracks.
Buy full access pass
Purchase a full access pass to unlock downloads for the full interview transcripts, audio, video and separate audio meditation tracks.
Buy full access pass
Purchase a full access pass to unlock downloads for the full interview transcripts, audio, video and separate audio meditation tracks.
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I am loving the whole concept of the Summit, and have enjoyed the first three speakers very much, am sharing as far and wide as I can.
Thanks so much Paula, we really appreciate your support!
We’re so happy that you’re enjoying the summit!
Warmly,
Tara
I agree – great work. Thoughtful and relevant questions 🙂
Dan really dumbed it down for me.
I really get the concept of having a healthy loving relationship with my mind.
I too was like Dan always putting myself down.
Wonderful summit!
Cheers
Linda
That was brilliant! The biggest thing that will stick in my mind from watching this is the idea that it’s the daily collusion with the “asshole in your head” that helps you fend off its shitty suggestions.
That’s the name of my voice and I am working on rewiring her, he was a good example.
Our voices must be related because mine behaves the sameway too. It comforting to know that I can learn to rewire that voice somewhat. Also, I sort of expect educators and health providers to be supporters of mindfulness and it is good to have another professional like Mr. Harris, share how he incorporated this method into his life.
It was good to hear yet another perspective. I like how this speaker and Day 2’s speaker emphasize this as a practice, a path, a journey. A good reminder. Thank you again.
Thanks, Dan, for sharing your story. I liked the idea of 2-5 minutes on a bad day – still do something!
Great, light explanation suitable for mainstream thinkers. Whilst paddling/surfing today, during which I constantly check in to be mindful, I realised I was still being judgemental of the other riders. Listening to Dan I realised these runminations may continue to be ‘the arsehole in my head’, but at least I can acknowledge it and refuse to let it spoil my surf.
Another awesome session, great to hear how a sceptic transformed in his own life and is now an advocate for meditation! Also Dan, I enjoyed the realness of your story which I think gave the whole topic of mindfulness a sense of authenticity. Thank you and blessings from the First City to See the Light ; Gisborne New Zealand 🙂
Long time ago I used to work for the founder and CEO of PeopleSoft who used to remind his management team his favorite mantra:” Never Believe Your Own Bullshit” …. sounds like the Voice in Dan’s head. I like it.
I really enjoyed Dan’s book. Was very near the way I came upon Mindfulness. From reading Tolle, Chopra, etc and yet still feeling something was missing and stumbling onto buddhism and mindfulness.
Really enjoying the Summit!
So interesting to see such a unique character become mindful of his actions, whether it is on national television or towards his family. This was a genuinely touching story and advice. Looking forward to the next. Thank you.
Hi Layal,
We think so too!! Such an inspiring man and story.
Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Warmly,
Tara
Wow what an amazing hing you are doing for the world this month. So much rings true in this talk and is inspiring to me to give this a real go. Thanks again!
Greetings from Weimar, Germany from an American living here through December.
Brilliant talk again on day 3. It’s showing that everyone, cross legged hippies and suity business types can enjoy meditation and receive the insight to what is truly us and what is the bullshit in our heads x
Dan’s inspiring and hilarious book got me meditating nine months ago and therefore I’m so happy that he’s in this Summit. Mindfulness and humor apparently go together very well. Thank you Dan and Melli.
This is useful I think more for beginners – listeners who have only begun to inquire into mindfulness. The interviewer’s insistence on asking about the benefits of mindfulness are fair enough but the deeper aspects of spiritual training go far beyond personal benefits- (whats in it for me!)
whoops, arrived late but looking forward to re-entering the mindful space. Turning down those tapes of self deprecation is a massive shift that I can believe in and thank you for this support
Loved Dan’s interview, a great story for someone like me who is just starting their journey into mindfulness. I will recommend the audio to my husband as I think this will really encourage him to commit to it too. Thanks Dan and Millie!
Fantastic-loved it. Loved Dan’s book. Thanks from New Zealand.
Hi lotta,
Thanks for joining us on this adventure!
So happy to hear that you loved this talk.
Warmly,
Tara
Such a good interview. Love the down to earth approach. Thank you!
As a longtime meditator, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to get out of the Summit, but Melli, I am so impressed with it. The first 3 speakers have been great, your questions wonderful. I’m happy to say the Summit has been a great support to my practice–and I didn’t think it needed support 🙂 Thank you–and your team–for putting so much care in putting this together. The interview with Dan Harris is a keeper. What a great story.
English is not my first language. Could anybody tell me what is the PR problem he refers to?
The truth is that as you become consistent in your practice, if you increase the time of meditation and study, your progress will increase, but, keep in mind, harbour no hope of change in each session and don’t expect certain experiences, and they will come, but you can not hope and meditate at the same time. If you ever watch tennis, seeing someone playing very well, but lose at the end because they begin hoping to win, you will understand my point. Dan Harris is a good interview but I’d like to hear from his coworkers and family.
Hi Shirlei – I am from UK, not the US, but what I understand him to mean applies in the UK as well. PR is shorthand for Public Relations, and he means that Buddhism and meditation often have a negative image in the eyes of the general public. On the one hand they are perceived (as he says) as something that is only of interest to “hippy” types, seen as slightly weirdo, people who are not quite in touch with reality (which is comic really, because mindfulness and meditation are the most reliable way to be in contact with present reality). I also think, on the other hand, they can be perceived negatively by some Christians (of the more fundamentalist persuasion) in the same way that yoga is, as a threat to a belief in God. This is changing, with the increased interest in mindfulness and meditation, and it’s benefits, and this summit is feeding into that process.
Thank you so much for your answer, it was very kind of you helping me 🙂
Just had this conversation with a hard driving client who expressed this concern of losing his edge of he became calmer. Will recommend he read this book! Summit is wonderful!
Also hosting two small events next week in New Jersey USA on mindfulness at work ! Hoping to help with that critical mass !! One small group at a time!
Gee day 3 already , so much to think about in first 2 days, Well done guys in bringing this mindfulness “out of the communes”and into everyday life. Great talk by Dan , down to earth ,
looking fwd to tomorrow.
ps: i nearly missed day 3 ,as the asshole in my head tried to convince me to watch tv instead, Bloody glad i didn’t listen to him again , again well done to everyone involved.
Loved listening to all the three speakers. It
strengthens my commitment to continue my meditations and be aware or mindful as much as I can’ thru the day.I realise that this journey of turning inwards is not only fascinating but has also brought new meaning/ perspective in my interactions with the world outside. I am no longer in a rush and savour each moment.. Namaste and love from India .
I’ve just listened through to the end of the interview, and really enjoyed it. He also talks about a secondary PR problem, that mindfulness and meditation are seen as a quick-fix solution to human problems, the silver bullet. His interview (and possibly his book?) are good antidotes to that attitude, and he stresses the importance of it being a long-term project of work towards change in the self, and also the importance of doing something every day, even if that is as short as 2 – 5 minutes. That’s a great reminder, for myself. Yes, its also important to commit to deepening your daily practice, but don’t allow your addiction to perfectionism to mean you end up doing nothing, and losing contact with that daily habit of mindful breathing.
Insightful! I really resonated with what you said, that the voice is still there, its the relationship that it’s changed. Indeed. The voice is still there it is what we do with it and how we see it that matters most. Thanks.
Loved it!
Thanks for all three of them. I just love how different they are and I am looking forward to the next one
Fantastic, this the type of guy who will bring mindfulness into the mainstream! I really want to read his book now.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Summit. I am committed to hearing the speakers every day but it is the constant reinforcement by them that mindfulness practice is about practise that has finally sunk in… so far at least. Thanks you to everyone involved. Wouldn’t it be great if this was indeed a big push toward a mindfulness revolution and what that would mean in our world.
A brilliant endeavour with The MIndfulness Summit, thank-you guys. The breadth of speakers scheduled is giving a really good sense of the different elements, challenges and benefits that can arise from developing a practice. What is encouraging to hear from the speakers thus far is the articulation that becoming more mindful is an action and not simply a label.
Brilliant insight from Professor Mark Williams and the studies he has been involved in regarding not needing to like it, or even believe in it to benefit. Just get out there and do it and you’ll begin understand the value in doing it. Cheers.
Thank you for this. I already look forward to it so much each day.
Thank you for sharing today’s interview/conversation with Dan Harris, I enjoyed his talk about how he was suffering, started to notice it and learn some mindfulness and meditation skills to give him a differn’t relationship to himself. Also at the time of meeting Eckhart Tolle he was not aware that the ability to notice his mind without being judgemental, is the achievable work of the mind. The light of the sun removes the darkness, all things take time, it’s not so much as to trying to change as it is to allow the change. Simplicity removes the effort, so lies the resistance. Peace
It would be great to have English subtitles during the interview. Please, if it’s possible.
I fully support your idea Mariana,
It would be a good idea – the accents are very different – and being a worldwide event it would be good to consider that many participating to it are not English speakers.
At the bottom of each page is a tab “Transcript” – if you buy the full access package
I agree with the positive statements above. My favorite quote from today was ‘ going down the rat hole of rumination’. A great little to quote to remind throughout the day. Thank you so much for this wonderful summit!
This Summit is a fantastic achievement so far – I have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 talks. Normally with these things I sign up but lose interest and don’t keep up. I certainly intend to do so with this one! Thank you Melli for all the hard work and dedication you must have poured into this- a great gift to us all.
I received no email to access day 2… Is this going to be a regular occurrence?
It’s interesting that it would take meditation for one to realise that they don’t need to react to the “arsehole In their heads”?
Thank you so much for inviting Dan Harris to the summit. His real life experiences and explanations makes mindfulness very accessible to everyone. I appreciated his realness. He made a nebulous topic very reachable.
And thank you for this lovely summit that will no doubt have a positive effect on the world.
I received my email for Day 1 & 3 but didn’t get one for Day 2. So disappointed I missed a day. Not sure why
The mind is devious and will do anything g to cling to the co felt of self,
Another great topice, really glad this summit was put on for everyone, will keep sharing, great work Mel, warm wishes Emily from Ireland ♡♡♡♡
Great interview questions Melli – I feel like your questions brought out thoughtful and spot on responses from Dan. I very much enjoyed his fresh and grounded approach to talking about his mindfulness practice. Thanks for making this available to all of us.
Dan is really the reason I got involved in this! Like someone said before, he really dumbed it down to where I could “get it”. It’s a baby step process but, SO worth it for my well being. Thanks so much for having him be a part of this!
Another day of gratitude! Wonderful speaker. I am so excited about this adventure. I have been very focused on being mindful throughout the day right down to eating at least one meal in silence per day. Such a powerful series. Thank you to all for the tremendous efforts!
Agi – Napa Valley
Really enjoying the summit and all the speakers. It’s a practice doing this daily and great reminder and learning. Thank you so much for this kind offering. In gratitude, Rose
Thank you for another insightful interview. Great to see the personal benefits gained and a passion to share that with the world.
Thanks to Dan and our lovely host for this interview. Amazing to see how a guy like Dan on the fast track who once resorted to drugs to cope with stress discovered mindfulness and becomes its best advocate. Grateful to Dan for his honest and open sharing of his personal journey. Love the way Dan talks – so real, so down to earth and so inspiring. Trust that mindfulness will make our world a better place.