Video: Dan Harris | The Benefits Of Not Being A Jerk To Yourself

After more than two decades as an anchor for ABC News, an on-air panic attack sent Dan Harris’s life in a new direction: he became a dedicated meditator and, to some, even a guru. But then an anonymous survey of his family, friends and colleagues turned up some brutal feedback — he was still kind of a jerk. In a wise, funny talk, he shares his years-long quest to improve his relationships with everyone (starting with himself) and explains the science behind loving-kindness meditation, and how it can boost your resiliency, quiet your inner critic and simply make you more pleasant to be around.

Running time: 13 minutes

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Veteran journalist Dan Harris was an anchor and correspondent for ABC News for 21 years. Then, a nationally televised panic attack changed everything.

Dan Harris is a former ABC News anchor who reported from all over the world, covering wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and producing investigative reports in Haiti, Cambodia and the Amazon. But after experiencing an on-air panic attack while hosting Good Morning America, he knew he had to make changes. Despite initial misgivings, he turned to meditation.

Harris is the author of the book 10% Happier, a #1 New York Times bestseller. He is also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and cofounder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. He lives in New York with his wife, son and three rescue cats.