10% Happier toes the line between being a memoir and self-help book. It focuses on self-help theories at different times within the book, but is less preachy in the way it uses knowledge gleaned from the author’s real-life experiences. The author uses his own personal story as an avenue for exploring religion, mindfulness, and meditation.
Quick Review
Book balance between humour and life lessons, and journey of one to embrace meditation as a lifelong practice
It’s interesting to see, his transformation from a sceptic to follower of a meditation practice. It’s also intriguing to see the challenge which he has faced, are so much same that I can relate to myself. And I think this is also applicable to others. The book is not about “ifs and buts” , it’s about what is it feel like to recognise the inner chatter, calm it down a bit and focus on now.
10 commandments, so to say, is real summary of why and what about meditation. Let me put this for you.
1. Don’t be a jerk
we feel, success needs competition, and it’s opposite to compassion. However, success is possible with compassion only.
2. Hide Zen
Sometimes you need to compete aggressively, plead your own case, or even have a sharp word with someone. It’s not easy, but it’s possible to do this calmly and without making the whole thing overly personal.
3. Meditate
Difficult, but do it 10-15 minute daily. It’s all about acknowledging without any judgement. Let environment tease you, you notice and acknowledge them, and keep breathing.
4. The Price of Security Is Insecurity—Until It’s Not Useful
Okie to have constructive anguish. There’s no point in being unhappy about things you can’t change, and no point being unhappy about things you can
5. Equanimity Is Not the Enemy of Creativity
Mindfulness make us more creative, it tames the mind, to make space for more useful thoughts.
6. Don’t Force It
Embrace ambiguity, take purposeful pause
7. Humility Prevents Humiliation
Put ego aside. Humility helps sanders the edges of ego. Make us more compassionate and approachable.
8. Go Easy with the Internal Cattle Prod
Don’t over do “self criticism”. Listen but don’t accept the inner chatter without a deliberate pause.
9. Nonattachment to Results
Nonattachment to results + self compassion = a supple relentlessness that is hard to match.
10. What Matters Most?
And that’s what we should able to answer. This is “what matter most” to feel anguish about any situation, where you want to react. Pause and ask
