Why Meditation is Productive: ‘10% Happier’ by Dan Harris

After recently reading Dan Harris’s book “10% Happier”, the narrator found it to diverge from traditional self-help books, offering a clearer perspective on mindfulness. The book delves into the ‘default mode’ of our brains, often referred to as the ‘monkey mind’, which continually seeks problems and is seldom content. Harris, an ABC news anchor, battled depression and anxiety, leading him to explore various self-help solutions. His journey led him to the realisation that mindfulness meditation is not about spirituality but is, in essence, a cerebral exercise. Through regular practice, it can reshape our brains, increase self-awareness, and put us firmly in control, rather than being at the mercy of incessant, unproductive thoughts.