Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics
Ratings18
Average rating4
This entire book could be reduced to half a page of instruction. The author thinks he is really charming and cutesy - quite annoyingly so. Also, completely gratuitous use of profanity.
If you liked Dan's first 10% Happier book, you'll probably like this one too.
If you haven't read Dan's first 10% Happier book, you should probably read that one first.
I took notes on this book, but I found myself skimming through the last third of it. I think the premise and the content are worthwhile, but something about the narrative delivery failed to sustain my interest.
Dan Harris shares more thoughts about meditation and its benefits in this second book in his 10% Happier series. This time he teams up with Jeff Warren, a master meditator, and Carlye Adler, a writer, and the result is a clever and thoughtful look at meditation, especially for those of us who tend to think meditation might be too much work.
I took furious notes as I read this book. Some of my favorites:
There are hindrances in meditation (and life):
Boredom/sleepiness
Desire (to do something, anything)
Aversion (fear, dislike anger)
Worry, anxiety, restlessness
Doubt
To deal with the hindrances, look at them as they appear. Name them. Examine them. Lean into what arises, without judgment.
I also loved the idea of Free-Range Meditation, the idea of using little minutes here and there to meditate.
The whole book is like having a personal meditation trainer, encouraging you, sharing troubles, sharing tips, helping you over the hard parts.
I borrowed this book from the library to listen to. I will be purchasing this book to go back to whenever I feel the need. Excellent book for someone looking to start a meditation practice or someone who feels like they “can't meditate”.