By Carla Naumburg
When I initially encountered the concepts of mindfulness and meditation, I dismissed them as utter nonsense. I believed they were designed for people who couldn't get their lives in order. As a fiercely type-A individual, I felt no need for that kind of new-age fluff.
But then children entered the picture. And my perspective flipped entirely.
It took me far longer than I care to acknowledge to abandon my judgmental attitude and begin weaving mindfulness into my everyday routine. Once I did, I became, without a doubt, a convert. I witnessed how it allowed me to handle my anxiety and stress more effectively, remain composed and present during tough parenting situations, and reap numerous other rewards.
My personal experience is just one reason I adored Dan Harris's debut 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. Dan, an ABC News correspondent, also evolved from a hardened cynic into a dedicated mindfulness advocate. The book is witty, straightforward, and packed with engaging anecdotes; I often suggest it to people who are intrigued but still hesitant about the whole mindfulness scene.
This year, Dan released a follow-up, Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-To Book. It's equally enjoyable, and not solely because I make an appearance.
Yes, you read correctly. I'm featured in his latest publication! I'd love to claim he sought me out for an expert interview, but that's not what happened. Instead, Dan and his co-author Jeff Warren visited my town for a talk. During the Q&A session, I approached the microphone and asked him how, as a busy professional and father of a toddler, he manages to meditate for two hours daily. More specifically, I wondered how his wife tolerates that.
As I mentioned, I adore my husband, and while I'd love for him to achieve enlightenment, I'd rather he load the dishwasher.
You can find the full exchange, including Dan's reply to my challenge, starting on page 89 of his new book. You can also hear an audio recording of my questions in episode #114 of the 10% Happier Podcast. That episode features an honest and touching conversation between Dan and his wife, Dr. Bianca Harris, about her developing mindfulness practice. My segment appears around the 49:30 mark.
Are you a parent struggling to incorporate mindfulness into your life? Have you found it difficult to carve out meditation time? Or have you already cracked the code on making it work? I'd love to hear about your challenges and successes. I'd also appreciate if you'd share your strategies for squeezing mindfulness and meditation into a hectic day for my upcoming post!
(For the record, I don't actually know Dan personally. I've tweeted at him and pestered him about his meditation habits in public settings, but that's the extent of our interaction. And no, I receive no commissions from his book sales.)
Want more mindful parenting tips and updates on my forthcoming book, How to Stop Losing Your Sht With Your Kids*? Sign up for my free newsletter here.
blogs.psychcentral.com
