Mindful Meshugganah

So far in my reading of Dan Harris's book, 10% Happier, I have come to the conclusion that he's a bit of a prick. However, I'm starting to kind of like the guy. For starters, many of his thoughts on success and happiness resonate with me. Prior to meditation, Dan sees his happiness as a measurement of how many stories he is able to report on, and defines the price of security as insecurity. Following meditation, he begins to see that his initial thoughts are not aligned with his studies on Buddhism. His mentor, Mark Epstein, debunks his security and insecurity mantra, noting that everything in life is impermanent, and that true happiness comes from within. He also goes on to talk about how many people feel seek to find their happiness based on obtaining something in the future are bound to never actually achieve true happiness.  I find this to be absolutely enlightening. As someone who always ties achievement to happiness (when I get that promotion, or my masters, lose 10 l...

In the next few months, I will be making a few attempts to become a more mindful and centered person. As the name of my blog implies, Meshugganah (a crazy person/woman), being in the moment and being calm is not something that comes naturally to me. As a result, I have decided to actually follow through on a New Years resolution to become more mentally present, self aware, and to focus on gratitude.  This blog was one of my ways of achieving this goal. As I mentioned to my dear mother on the phone, the reason therapy hasn't worked for me in the past is that I get so wrapped up in the excitement of being able to voice my thoughts and feelings that I tend to lose sight of my real goal. As well, some may say I just really like to hear myself talk. All jokes aside, I figured by getting my thoughts out in print I would be able to release a lot of the feelings I encounter throughout the day. This is especially helpful before or after a time that can cause more than average anxiety in my ...