Living by Design

10% Happier
by Dan Harris

In his book "10% Happier" Dan Harris highlights the idea that meditation is a cognitive skill to develop more control over one's attention.

The book emphasizes that meditation is "brain training."
How might attention training help one to solve problems and prevent cognitive breakdowns?

One key insight Harris shares is learning to observe his thoughts rather than being consumed by them. Both Frankl and Harris describe developing what could be called an "observer self" - a part of consciousness that can witness mental activity without being overwhelmed by it. How does meditative attention training cultivate this observer capacity? What does this suggest about the nature of consciousness and our relationship to our own thoughts and emotions? How might this skill be practically applied in everyday stressful situations?

The ability to choose what to focus on helped him stop having debilitating panic attacks. Harris describes becoming less reactive to difficult emotions and situations. What cognitive mechanisms might explain how attention training improves emotional regulation and decision-making under stress?

Our current society is full of many things trying to get our attention. This can lead to feeling pulled in multiple places at once.
How does this concept relate to modern understanding of cognitive load and mental distraction?
What specific cognitive strategies from attention training might help us better manage information overload and digital distractions?

The "10% happier" concept suggests modest but meaningful improvement. What might a 10% improvement in attention and awareness look like in terms of concrete cognitive benefits in work, relationships, and daily life?

How might the clear seeing and non-reactive awareness developed in meditation enhance our ability to find meaning and purpose in difficult circumstances? Does the space between stimulus and response give us not just the power to choose our reaction, but also to reframe the meaning of what we're experiencing? How do both Frankl's logotherapy and mindfulness meditation help us distinguish between pain (unavoidable) and suffering (our mental response to pain)?

How might combining Frankl's emphasis on meaning and purpose with Harris's practical attention training create a comprehensive approach to psychological resilience and human flourishing?

Fun other context:
Cognitive f(x)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfcgQCFxj5M

Levels of development and maturity

https://youtu.be/kse87ocS0Uo?si=RLFnFXV9KKS8Lakn

Enneagram development
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60V7qeJzaGc