Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg 146a3q

For episode 244 Valerie Mason-John makes their first appearance on the Metta Hour to speak about their new book, “First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors”. Valerie is a founding facilitator of Comionate Inquiry and the author of eleven books, including the award-winning book, “Eight Step Recovery.” They are a co-founder of the training program, Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery, and work as a public speaker in the field of Mindfulness for Addiction and Trauma. In this conversation, Valerie and Sharon discuss: How lovingkindness saved Valerie’s life How Valerie became the “Bully Doctor” Valerie’s journey in recovery The importance of community in recovery Recovery Cafe Gabor Mate’s Comionate Inquiry Thoughts are not facts First-Aid Kit for the Mind The breath is medicine What is still true? What can we rely on? Dharma: that which we can rely on Thich Naht Hanh’s influence on Valerie How to maintain mindfulness  The role of Storytelling in Valerie’s work How story compounds addiction Playwriting and poetry as social justice Valerie closes the conversation with a guided meditation LOVE from their new book, First Aid Kit for the Mind. Learn more about Valarie’s work on their website right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 243, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Tuere Sala. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the third episode in this series. Tuere Sala is a Guiding Teacher at Seattle Insight Meditation Society and the founding teacher of the Capitol Hill Meditation Group. She is a retired prosecuting attorney who has practiced Viana meditation for over 30 years. Tuere has been teaching since 2010 and has a long history of assisting others in establishing and maintaining a daily practice. The conversation begins with a guided meditation from Tuere. In this episode, Sharon and Tuere discuss: What drew Tuere to the Dharma Tuere’s work as a prosecutor Finding steadiness without fixing things How sangha s practice Spiritual practice is not just about fixing what we don’t like Death is not a failure Suffering as poetry  Sympathetic Joy How gratitude cultivates energy Tuere’s Christian faith  The three refuges The effects of guilt in our lives  Tuere’s challenges with comion  What Tuere’s practice looks like The Thai Forrest Tradition  Sharon’s favorite Dharma quote  You can learn more about Tuere’s work on her website right here. Learn more about IMS Online right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 242, Emma Seppälä, Ph.D. returns to the Metta Hour to speak about her new book, “Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos.”  Emma is  a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker. She teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. She is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Comion and Altruism Research and Education. A psychologist and research scientist by training, Emma’s expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection.  In this episode, Sharon and Emma discuss: Emma’s definition of the word “Sovereign” Self-loathing hiding out as self-criticism  The toxic relationship with ourselves The myths of high-achievers  Sharon’s story of facing self-imposed beliefs How Emma has worked with self-loathing Emma’s first meditation experience You have to name it to tame it Internalizing the stories told about us Awareness + courage Emma’s definition of the term “self-comion” The disempowerment of shame The research around lovingkindness How intuition s sovereignty What research reveals about meditation The science of happiness Emma’s study of breath-work for veterans  Emma closes the conversation with a guided meditation. You can learn more about Emma’s work and get a copy of “Sovereign” on her website right here. Learn more about the Project Welcome Home Troops right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 242, Sharon speaks with psychologist Zindel Segal, PhD, and neuroscientist Norman Farb, PhD, about their new book, Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life. Zindel is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology in Mood Disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough. He is a clinical psychologist whose research examines the use of mindfulness meditation in promoting affect regulation skills in people suffering from a depressive and anxiety based disorder. Norm is an Associate Professor, University of Toronto Mississauga and studies the social neuroscience of the self and human emotion, with a focus on how biases in self-representation shape emotional reactions that determine well-being. In this episode, Sharon, Zindel and Norm discuss: How Norm came to this work What inspired the new book, Better in Every Sense Why people are languishing The Default Mode Network versus Sensory Network The positives of the “house of habit,” aka DMN “Breaking Frame” to solve problems Sense Foraging: shifting from thinking to sensing The three steps in Sense Foraging The role of equanimity in the Sensory Network How Interoception relates to empathy The conversation closes with a meditation breathing practice led by Zindel. You can learn more about Zindel and Norm’s book Better in Every Sense, right here. You can also check out Zindel’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast from 2020 in Episode 144. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 240, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with Kamla Masters. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the second episode in this series. Kamala Masters is one of the founders and teachers of the Viana Metta Foundation on Maui. She teaches retreats in the Theravada tradition at venues worldwide, including being a Guiding Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society at Barre, Massachusetts. The conversation begins with a five-minute guided meditation from Kamala. In this episode, Sharon and Kamala discuss: How Kamala and Sharon first met Kamala’s primary teachers and influences Sharon’s first travel to India How Kamala first found meditation Munindra teaching Kamala a washing dishes meditation Munindra’s way of breaking barriers for Sharon How Sharon met Dipa Ma How Sharon reparented herself with her teachers Munindra’s directive to “try harder” Distinctions in meditation methods How Kamala started teaching Sharing what their formal daily practice looks like today How they were taught lovingkindness Do people need a teacher? How to practice the Ten Paramis How to use mental noting Working with physical ailments and pain Perfectionism as a hindrance You can learn more about Kamala’s work via the website for the Viana Metta Foundation on Maui right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 239, Sharon chats with friends Duncan Trussell and Raghu Markus about their new audiobook Moving from the Movie of Me to the Movie of We. Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, writer, and actor. He is most known for his podcast The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. He produced and starred on the Netflix series The Midnight Gospel. Raghu Markus spent two years in India with Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Love Serve Foundation and hosts the Mindrolling Podcast on the Be Here Now Network. In this episode, Sharon, Duncan and Raghu discuss: How the new book came to be The healing is in the return Self pre-occupation versus self-love The guru in Duncan’s kids Raghu’s parents meeting Neem Karoli Baba How Duncan first met Ram Dass Raghu and Duncan’s first hang Finding the mother archetype Wanting Jesus “with skin on” Ram Dass the therapist How to cultivate unconditionality Getting real with ourselves Duncan’s formal practice “ Buddha Nature and your SS number” – RD The conversation closes with a guided meditation by Ram Dass on Loving Awareness. You can learn more about the new book Moving from the Movie of Me to the Movie of We right here. Listen to Duncan’s podcast and check out his comedy events right here. Listen to Raghu’s Mindrolling podcast right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 238 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are releasing a special extended excerpt of the brand new Lovingkindness Audiobook, set for release by Shambhala on April 23rd, 2024. This thirty-minute excerpt includes the forward of the book, written and read by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the introduction of the book, read by Sharon and a portion of the first chapter, The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Lovingkindess was Sharon’s first book, originally released in 1995 in hardcover format. It is now available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more about the book or get a copy, click here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 237, we are launching the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the launch of this monthly series is a conversation between Sharon and Jack Kornfield. Jack trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. The conversation begins with a 10-minute guided meditation from Jack. In this episode, Sharon and Jack discuss: Jack’s experience with Thai Buddhist monk Ajahn Chah The Buddha statue debate from the early days on IMS Jack’s first book “Living Dharma” Ajahn Chah’s teaching about the original mind Realizing innate qualities versus developing them The sign above the door at IMS What languages Sharon and Jack learned in Asia Sharon’s relationship with teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche The role of study in one’s spiritual life Dualistic versus non-dualistic teachings The necessity of lovingkindness in their early teachings Learning to accept help and Sharon’s experiences with Dipa Ma Different teachers that Jack has pissed off The conversation closes with a short sitting. You can learn more about Jack’s work right here and check out his new online course on the eight-fold path available right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 236, Sharon is in conversation with Sameet Kumar, Ph.D. Sameet is the clinical psychologist for the Memorial Cancer Institute. Sameet specializes in working with cancer patients and their caregivers. He is the author of Grieving Mindfully, The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination. He is part of a new anthology, coming out in May of 2024 from New Harbinger Publications, How to Grieve What We’ve Lost. In this episode, Sharon and Sameet discuss: How Sameet came to grief counseling American culture’s denial of the first noble truth The human experience of pain/pleasure Grief is whatever it is to you The non-existent timeline for grief Widening the scope of what losses affect us The tools of ACT, CBT and Mindfulness for grief Sameet’s new anthology book Dampening the grief  stress response  Sameet’s of COVID front-line workers Working with add-ons  The role of Ram Dass in Sameet’s life Sameet closes the conversation with a guided meditation on the refuge tree. You can learn more about Sameet’s work right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 235, Sharon speaks with Suneel Gupta. Suneel is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series. He studies leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance, deepen our state of well-being, and guide us further into our dharma. His latest book, “Everyday Dharma: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do” was released in the Fall of 2023 from Harper Collins. In this episode, Suneel and Sharon discuss: Suneel’s definition of dharma How we express our core truth  Dr King’s Street Sweeper story Suneel’s life path with failure The wisdom of Suneel’s Grandfather Suneel’s journey of identity as a brown-skinned man Writing as a therapeutic form Arrival fallacy  Eight pillars of Suneel’s book Everyday Dharma The path is cyclical, not linear Dharma as the bedrock on your life How Suneel defines success  Asking what makes you come alive? Howard Thurman’s wisdom Tuning into space Vulnerability promoting connection Suneel closes the conversation with a short reading from his book. You can learn more about Suneel’s work and get a copy of Everyday Dharma on his website. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 234, Sharon speaks with author and podcast host, Dan Harris. Dan is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who finds meditation. He’s also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the co-founder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. For 21 years, he worked at ABC News, where he anchored such shows as Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss: The new edition of Ten Percent Happier What has changed in the meditation space in the last decade The line between cynicism to skepticism  The climate of despair and nihilism Working with the inner critic Dan’s drug-fueled panic attack on-air Big life changes are not often a straight shot Dan’s path finding meditation The Jew-Bu movement towards Asia The connection of Dan’s father and Joseph Goldstein’s family Dan meeting Mark Epstein The first time Sharon saw Birkenstocks Dan’s first meditation retreat How lovingkindness has affected Dan “The Way of the Worrier” list from Ten Percent Happier Dan’s son teaching lovingkindness meditation Dan closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Dan’s work and get a copy of Ten Percent Happier, the newly reissued book on his website. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 233, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour. Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Jenny completed her fellowship in psychology at Yale University School of Medicine and achieved board certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating clients in her private therapy practice, LA CBT DBT, she is the author of How to Be Single and Happy and End Emotional Eating. Her new book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. In this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss: Jenny’s new book, Stress Resets Acute versus chronic stress Learning how to put stress down The distinction between stress and trauma How stress affects the body Preventing a stress snowball Cultivating agency in dealing with stress The role of acceptance in stress Working with causes and conditions Stress resets versus stress buffers Emotions come in waves Coherent breathing Creating an anti-depressant lifestyle Jenny closes the conversation with a guided mindfulness practice. You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her new book, Stress Resets, on her website. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 232, Cecilia B. Loving returns to the Metta Hour. Cecilia is an award-winning speaker, belonging and inclusion thought leader, consultant and author, who serves as the Senior Vice President Head of DEI for PBS. Her work in restorative justice, storytelling, inclusive leadership, racial inclusion, mindfulness, and well-being helps redefine the importance of self-care and self-empowerment to create a positive and holistic environment for everyone. This is Cecilia’s second appearance on the Metta Hour. Her first appearance was in 2022 with Episode 192, which you can hear right here. In this episode, Sharon and Cecilia discuss: Cecilia’s new book, Connecting Through Circles The concept of "connecting through circles" How circles differ from other conversation The necessity of belonging The science that backs social bonding The Ministry of Forgiveness Desmond Tutu’s personal style Empathy as a path to transformation Moving beyond “Us” versus “them” mentality Cecilia’s approach to DEI at PBS The ripple affect of DEI in the world Vicarious Trauma Lovingkindness Meditation Cecilia closes the conversation with a guided circle meditation. You can learn more about Cecilia’s work right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 231 of the Metta Hour, Sharon Salzberg shares the journey of her spiritual life with the host of Meditative Story, Rohan Gunatillake. This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World. In this immersive blast to the past, Sharon Salzberg reflects on: Her first trip to India How disappointments and discomforts can lead to self-discovery Being kind to ourselves and allowing slip-ups to happen The initial meeting of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein Goenka’s non-verbal advice to Sharon and how laughter can release fear and anger Reorienting ourselves when we veer off course This episode closes with a guided meditation. Visit meditativestory.com to find our more information about the Meditative Story Podcast and how you can subscribe for more stories like this one! “It will take a while before I learn that the skillful response to feeling anger is to feel it, and then, even to take an interest in it. I don’t have to let it carry me into action that I may regret. I already feel the lesson that life is teaching me over and over again: we all face challenges. It’s how we become who we are. You don’t have to judge yourself all the time. Give yourself a break.” – Sharon Salzberg See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 230 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with her longtime friend, teacher and author, Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D. Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, the founder and head teacher of the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist. She is also a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. Some of her books include: The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof) and her most recent, Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, and the 2023 card deck from Shambala Publications, In a Moment, In a Breath. In this episode, Sharon and Roshi discuss: The impetus for Roshi’s new card deck How Roshi came to contemplative practice The impact of COVID on inner life Deconstructing being a beginner How the elements correlate to Roshi’s card deck Grounding into the body The nuanced work of caregivers The Brahma Viharas Equanimity as a form of inclusiveness Using ideology to avoid feeling Strong back, soft front Not cultivating a mind of poverty Radical Inclusion Watering the good seeds Ram Dass in his last years Space and wisdom Roshi closes the conversation with a short guided meditation on Ocean Mind. To learn more about Roshi’s work, you can visit her website right here or the website for the Upaya Zen Center right here and get yourself a copy of her new card deck, In A Moment, In a Breath, right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 229 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with teacher, author, and CEO whisperer Jerry Colonna for his second appearance on the podcast to talk about his new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. Jerry is the CEO and co-founder of the executive coaching firm Reboot.io. A highly sought-after coach and speaker, he is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. For more than 20 years, he has used his experiences as a CEO, investor, journalist, college professor, and coach to help people lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Please be aware this episode contains mention of sexual assault.  In this episode, Sharon and Jerry discuss: Being a first responder to suffering Being content in the face of suffering How Jerry came to belonging as a book topic Belonging as being at home in one’s existence Being included, accepted, and celebrated How to cultivate belonging as a skill A new definition of leadership How hungry ghosts affect leaders and communities Free speech versus right speech Jerry’s family history How untold stories affect us What propels reunion Jerry closes the conversation with a reading of Poem 41 by bell hooks. To learn more about Jerry’s work, you can visit his website and get yourself a copy of his new book, Reunion, right here. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health. In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss: How Richie came to this path Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat The term “Mental Health” Innate Goodness Believing in Growth Mindset A vision of possibility for ourselves The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being Intergenerational Resilience Richie’s four pillars of well-being Personal mental hygiene “The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur Rinpoche The value of community and teachers in mental health  Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche Contemplative Neuroscience The Science of Flourishing Course Richie’s new book project The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds. Richie’s course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20. Mental Health Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255 Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness The Trevor Project  for LGBTQ Mental Health Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community Hope for Bereaved Grief Groups Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 227 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. For this fifth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and meditation scholar-teacher, Joe Loizzo, MD, PhD. Joe is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Columbia-trained Buddhist scholar with over forty years’ experience studying the beneficial effects of contemplative practices on healing, learning and development. He is an Assistant professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, the founder of the educational non-profit Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, and author of several books. Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/metta In this episode, Sharon and Joe discuss: The conflict in the Middle East How Joe came into the field of Mental Health How the field has evolved thus far How events of the world affect the personal Should mental health care plans include service? How stigma around treatment is evolving Contributing factors to the Mental Health Crisis in the U.S. The impetus for founding Nalanda Institute The role Joe played in Sharon’s early teaching Eastern vs Western approach to psychology The comionate approach to the human condition Learning to work with our minds is not a luxury Where psychedelics fit in The future of Mental Health The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Joe. To learn more about Joe’s work or his different books, you can visit his website. If you would like to suggest a topic for this series, you can email @sharonsalzberg.com with your questions and suggestions. Mental Health Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255 Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness The Trevor Project  for LGBTQ Mental Health Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community Hope for Bereaved Grief Groups Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 226 of the Metta Hour, we’re bringing you an episode from the Ten Percent Happier Podcast in which Dan Harris interviews Sharon about her brand new book, “Finding Your Way.” You can get a copy of “Finding Your Way” in hardcover or ebook formats at our website. Dan Harris is a former ABC News anchor who, after reporting all over the world, experienced an on-air panic attack while hosting Good Morning America. Despite initial misgivings, he turned to meditation and changed his life for the better. He is the author of the book “10% Happier,” a #1 New York Times bestseller, and the Ten Percent Happier podcast host. In this conversation, Sharon and Dan discuss: • The impetus for Sharon’s new book • What Sharon means by “an authentic life” • Learning to be your own BFF • How the notion of self-love squares with the Buddhist notion of emptiness • Why it can be harder to receive love and help than to give it To hear more episode of the Ten Percent Happier Podcast or App, visit their website. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 225 of the Metta Hour, Sharon welcomes New York Times bestselling author Katherine May. Click here to learn more about Sharon’s new book, Finding Your Way, available Oct 10th! Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster. Her most recent book, “Enchantment: Awakening Awe in an Anxious Age” was an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Her internationally bestselling hybrid memoir “Wintering” was adapted as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week. Katherine’s podcast, How We Live Now, ranks in the top 1% worldwide, and she has been a guest presenter for On Being’s The Future of Hope series. Katherine lives with her husband, son, two cats, and a dog. She loves walking, sea-swimming, and pickling slightly unappealing things. Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/metta In this conversation, Sharon and Katherine discuss: Coming into  with life Learning to pay attention again The way rushing hinders our attention Not spending time in one paradigm at a time Sharon’s favorite word “Enchantment” following “Wintering” thematically Challenging our assumptions Human endeavors that inspire awe Awe isn’t just about prettiness Katherine’s experience learning meditation The myth of a perfect mindfulness performance The bigger picture balance in life Blocks we can feel towards our pleasure and joy Holding joy and pain simultaneously How Interconnection expands us to the natural world Katherine closes the session with a short reading from her book, “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age,” now available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. You can visit her website to learn more about Katherine and hear her podcast. See at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.