Gabfest Reads: Finding Happiness During This Election Year
Digest
This podcast episode features a conversation between John Dickerson and Dan Harris, exploring the intersection of mindfulness, meditation, and everyday life. They discuss the challenges of navigating the election season, emphasizing the importance of reframing the experience as an opportunity for mindfulness practice. Dan Harris shares his experiences with 10-day meditation retreats, highlighting the challenges and benefits of the practice, while John Dickerson reflects on his father's saying, "The price of security is insecurity," and how it shaped his understanding of life. The conversation delves into the importance of skepticism and open-mindedness, the benefits of regular meditation practice, and the journey of Dan Harris's book "10% Happier." They also discuss the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meditation and its accessibility, emphasizing that even small amounts of practice can lead to positive results. The episode concludes with Dan Harris reflecting on his transition from a newsman to a "different kind of newsman" who spreads the message that the brain and mind are trainable, highlighting the importance of staying focused on being useful to others.
Outlines
Mindfulness and the Election
John Dickerson and Dan Harris discuss how to cope with the stress of the election season. They emphasize the importance of reframing the experience as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and coping skills. They also discuss the benefits of talking to others, listening to different perspectives, and accepting the inevitability of suffering.
Meditation, Retreats, and Personal Growth
Dan Harris shares his experiences with 10-day meditation retreats, emphasizing the challenges and benefits of the practice. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and the process of learning to accept suffering as a part of life.
The Price of Security and the Uniqueness of Being
John Dickerson shares his father's saying, "The price of security is insecurity," and discusses how it shaped his understanding of life. He also reflects on his mother's phrase, "Isn't it great to be John Dickerson?" and how it relates to the Buddhist concept of impermanence and the importance of appreciating the uniqueness of each individual.
Skepticism, Open-Mindedness, and Personal Growth
John Dickerson discusses his own journey with skepticism and how it has both helped and hindered his personal growth. He acknowledges the importance of questioning ideas but also emphasizes the value of open-mindedness and the potential for progress through a less judgmental approach.
The Journey of "10% Happier"
Dan Harris reflects on the journey of his book "10% Happier" and how it has evolved over the past 10 years. He discusses the unexpected success of the book, the challenges of balancing his career with his newfound role as a self-help guru, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Keywords
Mindfulness
The practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them.
Meditation
A practice that involves focusing the mind on a single object, such as the breath, a mantra, or a visualization. It can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate self-awareness.
Equanimity
A state of mental calmness and composure, even in the face of challenging situations. It involves accepting things as they are without resistance or judgment.
Impermanence
A Buddhist concept that emphasizes the transient nature of all things. It encourages acceptance of change and the understanding that nothing lasts forever.
Skepticism
A questioning attitude towards claims and ideas, often involving a demand for evidence and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
Open-Mindedness
The willingness to consider different perspectives and ideas, even those that challenge one's own beliefs.
Personal Growth
The process of developing and improving oneself through experiences, learning, and self-reflection.
Self-Help
A genre of literature and practice that aims to provide individuals with tools and strategies for improving their lives.
Q&A
How can we cope with the stress of the election season?
Reframe the experience as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and coping skills. Talk to others, listen to different perspectives, and accept the inevitability of suffering.
What are the benefits of regular meditation practice?
Meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, cultivate self-awareness, and promote emotional well-being. Even small amounts of practice can lead to significant benefits.
What is the role of skepticism in personal growth?
Skepticism can be helpful in questioning ideas and avoiding blind acceptance. However, it's important to balance skepticism with open-mindedness and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.
How can we overcome the tendency to forget the lessons we learn from meditation and self-improvement practices?
Continuously engage in practices, read books, listen to podcasts, and be willing to fall off the wagon and get back on. Remember that perfection is not the goal, but rather messy marginal improvement over time.
Show Notes
Political Gabfest host John Dickerson talks with author Dan Harris about his re-released book, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, And Found Self-Help That Actually Works – A True Story in light of the looming November 5 vote. They discuss the steps to coping with election anxiety, how to benefit from group dynamics (instead of letting the doom-scrolling get to you), and more.
Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Cheyna Roth.
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