<p>The Dalai Lama makes a risky move. When confronted by a young American woman coping with incredible loss, he does something surprising and counterintuitive. The incident surfaces a question that is more urgent now than ever: As social media, tribalism, individualism, and a global pandemic conspire to keep us separated from each other, how do we maintain what psychologists call "social fitness"?</p> <p><br /></p> <p>In conversation with Dr. Richard J. Davidson, world renowned neuroscientist and longtime friend and collaborator of the Dalai Lama, we unpack the scientifically demonstrated benefits of the social connection embodied by His Holiness, and give easily accessible strategies to incorporate this wisdom into your everyday life. Also, Dan has a bit of an identity crisis. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>Want more of The Dalai Lama's Guide to Happiness? Download the Ten Percent Happier app wherever you get your apps.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Full Shownotes:</strong> <a href="https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/dalai-lama-guide-539" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/dalai-lama-guide-539</a></p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Other Resources Mentioned:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://hminnovations.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Healthy Minds Innovations</a></li> <li><a href="https://hminnovations.org/compassionateleadershipsummit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Compassionate Leadership Summit</a></li> <li><a href="https://wellbeing-project.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Wellbeing Project</a></li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Additional Resources:</strong></p> <p>Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: <a href="https://10percenthappier.app.link/JoinChallengePod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://10percenthappier.app.link/JoinChallengePod</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Quality Relationships
To get better at life and happier, prioritize the quality of your relationships, as research indicates this is the most important variable for well-being.
2. Cultivate One Confidant
For better mental and physical health, ensure you have at least one significant person in your life with whom you have a social connection and can confide.
Do not hold your pain in isolation; instead, share your most vulnerable parts with others, as they can be held and supported within a community.
4. Connect and Help Others
To avoid feeling alone, actively connect with other human beings and consistently look for ways to help them.
5. Meditate for Life Improvement
Meditate regularly to improve your overall life, aiming to become less reactive, less aggressive, and more connected to those around you in your daily interactions.
6. Practice 30-Second Appreciation
Spend at least 30 seconds appreciating the positive qualities of people you interact with, such as family members or colleagues, as this can change the tenor of an encounter.
7. Appreciate Micro-Moments of Connection
Boost your daily happiness by noticing and appreciating micro-moments of connection that occur with people like a barista or a stranger on an elevator.
8. Practice Micro-Acts of Compassion
Recognize that compassion can take many forms beyond grand gestures; practice simple, everyday acts of kindness, such as holding a door open for someone.