← 10% Happier with Dan Harris

Tony Wright, Exonerated After 25 Years (Bonus Episode!)

Oct 4, 2016 28m 53s 10 insights
Tony Wright spent 25 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. This past August, a Philadelphia jury acquitted Wright of the 1991 rape and murder of an elderly woman after his lawyers, including two from Innocence Project, presented DNA evidence that supported his innocence. He was just 20 years old when he was arrested. During his time in prison, one of Wright's lawyers gave him Dan Harris' book, "10% Happier," and Wright started practicing meditation and yoga. He's now learning to readjust to life on the outside.
Actionable Insights

1. Avoid Anger for Well-being

Refrain from holding onto anger, especially in difficult situations like prison, as it can lead to a destructive lifestyle, disciplinary hardships, and prevent you from experiencing joy and peace.

2. Practice Focused Meditation

Engage in meditation by focusing intensely on a single point (like a word or letter) to shut out external distractions, cultivate discipline, and achieve a state of relaxation and mental clarity.

3. Practice Yoga for Holistic Strength

Engage in yoga regularly as it strengthens the mind, body, and spirit, teaches discipline, and soothes the mind, body, and soul, leading to profound personal benefits.

4. Seek Solitude for Mental Clarity

When feeling overwhelmed or needing to process thoughts, intentionally retreat to a quiet, private space (like a room or bathroom) to gather your thoughts, calm your mind, and regain peace.

5. Focus on Your Own Path

To navigate challenging social environments, avoid getting entangled in gossip or the affairs of others, and instead, mind your own business and stay focused on your personal conduct.

6. Cultivate Future-Oriented Hope

Maintain a strong belief in positive future outcomes, even during prolonged hardship, and actively look forward to and cherish moments of joy with loved ones.

7. Challenge Harmful Notions

Engage in practices like yoga to help overcome societal or self-imposed notions (e.g., needing to be an ‘alpha male’) that may not serve your well-being, especially in challenging environments.

8. Prepare Mentally for Transitions

Mentally prepare for significant life changes or challenges over a long period, maintaining a clear sense of your true identity and purpose throughout the process.

9. Stand Firm in Convictions

If you are innocent or believe strongly in your principles, refuse to compromise your integrity or accept limitations (like protective custody) that you feel are unwarranted.

10. Read Self-Improvement Books

Read books focused on self-improvement to gain insights, learn new perspectives daily, and continuously strive to become a better person.