Insights from ‘10% Happier’ by Dan Harris Flashcards
What effect does meditation have on reaction to stressful situations?
It makes individuals less reactionary by creating mental space to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.
True or False: Meditation can help improve resilience by encouraging harsh self-criticism.
False. Meditation promotes resilience by fostering self-compassion rather than harsh self-criticism.
According to Dan Harris, what mental benefit can be considered a ‘superpower’ during stressful meetings?
Staying calm and composed, which is a result of regular meditation practice.
Fill in the blank: Meditation creates an ability to ____ and observe situations without impulsively reacting.
detach
What is a common misconception about striving and success?
That success is solely achieved through harsh self-criticism, rather than ‘firm but kind’ self-compassion.
Why is ‘being present’ emphasized in meditation according to the text?
Being present reduces continuous stress by avoiding fixation on the future or past and focusing on the current moment.
What is one method recommended for beginning meditation?
Downloading a guided meditation app like ‘Calm,’ ‘Headspace,’ or ‘10% Happier.’
Fill in the blank: Continuous stress is caused by always viewing the present as an ____ to get to the next moment.
obstacle
True or False: People practicing self-compassion meditation are more likely to stick to diets and quit smoking.
True
How should one react when they become lost in thought during meditation, according to Dan Harris?
They should gently return their focus to their breath without self-criticism, as this process of ‘beginning again’ is central to meditation.
What mindset does Dan Harris suggest adopting regarding success and control?
He suggests being ‘wisely ambitious,’ focusing on what can be influenced without being attached to the outcome.
Who described mindfulness as cutting through the ‘enemy’ of being lost in thought?
Sam Harris, author and neuroscientist.
Fill in the blank: Meditation helps to create a ‘self-reinforcing spiral,’ leading to a retreat from ____ and ____.
greed and hatred
What physical posture is recommended for a simple 7-minute meditation practice?
Sitting upright in a chair with closed eyes, focusing on natural breathing.
What mental shift occurs as mindfulness becomes a habit, according to Dr. Jud Brewer?
The brain gradually rejects harmful habits, as if realizing it’s been ‘holding on to a hot coal.’
