Mount Alvernia held it’s strategic planning retreat this past weekend. I enjoyed working on the planning document over the course of three weeks with two of my favorite teachers. At the retreat they were there along with other people who made my four years there so important. It was so nice to catch up and talk about the future!
In April of 2015 I began reading Dan Harris‘ 10% Happier. I’ve watched Dan since he was in Boston at NECN – the same time I was interning and working at WCVB and knew he was a local guy from Newton. He also covered religion for ABC. I had heard Dan’s story about an on-air panic attack during Good Morning America. Re-watching the clip I actually remember watching GMA that day and thinking Dan’s behavior was a bit off.
The premiss of the book is how Dan learned about and used meditation to help overcome panic attacks and “quiet the voices” in his head. He felt the change in himself and others noticed. He wrote the book to help others and the title comes from an off hand comment he made when someone asked if meditation made his life better. He responded it made him “10% happier.” He said it was a good return on investment and has become a bit of an evangelist for meditation. He has written often about it, talked about it in interviews and on GMA and has expanded his book into a podcast and tour.
The tour came to Boston and Chris and I went to hear Dan and another meditation expert, Jeff Warren speak. Chris and I have both read Dan’s book and often listen to his podcast interviews. It was a great talk that included a conversation about what Dan is doing next- a book talking about the barriers and blocks people have found to prevent them from daily meditation.
I have found meditation has been very valuable for me. I can especially relate to the idea that it helps with “responding not reacting” to situations. I read the book at the end of my time at my last school when I was feeling burned out and can definitely say I was reacting all the time. Dan says he believes the meditation will be the next public health movement similar to the way physical activity has become. Brendan has told us the meditate at school before lunch sometimes. I hope Dan is right.
Since the day after the election, we have all been trying to figure out what we do next. It was a divisive election. So much of the progress made over the last eight years has now been called into question.
We’ve had a lot of family conversations. Together we recently watched a fantastic episode of blackish. The kids have had questions. World events have led to discussions about history, politics and family values. All good, but often hard discussions.
It’s not often that we have the opportunity to take what we talk about- especially the principles we hold so dearly- and put action to our words. Today- January 21st- we were able to do that at Boston’s Women’s March.
Brendan and I attended with friends. Brendan made his own sign and chose what he wanted to wear. His support for the LGBTQ community was demonstrated with his Pride T shirt and rainbow skirt. He chose hot pink for his hair in support of women (and added silver sparkles of course). He stood out, as he always does.
We walked to Boston Common- a place we visit often. There were so many people and so many great signs. I think no matter how much I explained it to Brendan in advance, it was still overwhelming for him to see for himself.
We stood for a long time listening to great speeches from Mayor Walsh, Senator Warren and Attorney General Healy. All inspiring. All made me proud to be from Boston. All gave a reason for Bren to ask questions and understand better how privileged we are to live in Massachusetts.
At one point Senator Warren said she would be speaking of something controversial- that “science is real.” I had to explain to Brendan that there are people who do not agree on facts like global warming. All he could do was shake his head.
In the end, the number of people and Brendan’s show rehearsal meant we missed out on the actually marching part but the solidarity of being at the rally and seeing everyone made it’s impression.
Some people left their signs and created a collection. We brought ours home. It’s hanging on our bulletin board as a reminder. This was just the beginning. Seeing all the marches all over the country and world was inspiring. Showing Brendan the pictures all he could say was, “I’m part of that!” Yes, we are.
It was an incredible day we will not forget. Proud to live in Boston. Proud of Massachusetts.
