logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2021
49m 47s

How to Get Out of Your Head | Willa Blyt...

10% Happier
About this episode

It is a common desire to get out of our heads, to escape the internal noise, the chatter, the Sturm und Drang, the sound and fury, etc. You hear about it in pop songs and poetry, this urge to be blown away, to transcend. But how do you actually do it?

Willa Blythe Baker can help answer this question and is a font of practical advice. She is the Founder and Spiritual Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA and its retreat center Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. She has a doctorate from Harvard University and is the author of the new book, The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom.

This episode talks about Willa’s new book and explores: what somatic mindfulness is; the four levels of your body; specific exercises for getting out of your head; and how to meditate without all the effort. This rangy conversation goes on all sorts of fascinating, esoteric digressions, but always comes back to the practical stuff.

Subscribe by December 1 to get 40% off a Ten Percent Happier subscription! Click here for your discount.

Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/willa-blythe-baker-399

Up next
Today
The Science of Conversation: How To Say What You Mean, Be Heard, and Stop People-Pleasing | Alison Wood Brooks
You talk all day. Here’s how to do it better, according to a professor from Harvard Business School. Alison Wood Brooks comes from the Harvard Business School, where she teaches a course called “TALK: How to Talk Gooder in Business and Life,” which she has now turned into a book, ... Show More
1h 19m
Yesterday
How To Meditate When You're Freaking Out | Kaira Jewel Lingo
What to do when you're in the grip of grief, anxiety, or overwhelm. Our Teacher of the Month, Kaira Jewel Lingo, has some suggestions for finding your way through. Join Dan’s online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel On Sunday, ... Show More
18m 28s
Aug 22
How To Handle Your Demons | Vinny Ferraro
We’re bringing you some of our favorite gems from the archives, as chosen by our staff. This week, we’re hearing from dharma teacher Vinny Ferraro, as chosen by our producer Eleanor Vasilli. Vinny explores the concept of “alignment” and how you can actually choose your own attitu ... Show More
19m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Amanda Gilbert | Can Meditation Help You Live Longer? What The Research Shows on Meditation & Cellular Aging, Telomere Health KKP: 551
Today, I am blessed to have here with me Amanda Gilbert. One of Amanda's high school teachers led her in meditation. This particular homeschool in the middle of West Virginia focused on search and rescue and outdoor survival skills, but it was also a special high school that incl ... Show More
1h 11m
Nov 2022
Ep. 121 – Śīla: A Way To Love with Trudy Goodman
Trudy offers clear and flowing insight into how the Buddha’s concept of sīla –virtue, ethics – fits into the Noble Eightfold Path, as well as our daily lives.  This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional t ... Show More
56m 49s
Nov 2021
Beth Jacobs on Original Buddhist Psychology
Beth Jacobs is a clinical psychologist in private practice and a former faculty member of the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University. She is also a teacher in the Soto Zen tradition and incorporates Buddhist studies and meditation into her work as both a psycholog ... Show More
47m 39s
Apr 2024
Let them see you cry, by Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani, activist and founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, prides herself on being in control. She’s always been the one to say “I got this.” But after years of struggling to achieve her lifelong goal of being a mother, the weight of powering through the pain gets to ... Show More
32m 55s
Jun 2024
Forgiveness Affirmation to Free Yourself, Day 2: "Building a Foundation for Greatness" meditation series
Welcome to this meditation on forgiveness, a journey towards freeing your heart and mind. Embrace the affirmation with full focus as you open your heart. "Building a Foundation for Greatness" is a transformative meditation series designed to empower and inspire you to lay the gro ... Show More
10m 51s
Jun 2024
Create a Life of Greatness, Day 1: "Groundwork For Greatness" meditation series
"Building a Foundation for Greatness" is a transformative meditation series designed to empower and inspire you to lay the groundwork for a life of purpose and fulfillment. You'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, uncovering the inner strengths and values that wil ... Show More
13m 32s
May 2024
Become a World Class Listener, Day 7: "The Art of Listening" meditation series
Be guided in a meditation to transform your conversations and relationships with 'Become a World Class Listener,' a meditation focused on developing mindful and empathetic listening. Welcome to "The Art of Listening: Deepening Connection Through Presence," a 7-day meditation seri ... Show More
15m 1s
Jun 2024
A 12-Minute Meditation for Self-Compassion and Presence with Melli O’Brien
This week, Melli O'Brien leads us through a body scan meditation designed to help you experience greater self-compassion, self-acceptance, and presence. This meditation is a chance to reconnect with yourself, to nurture a sense of presence and compassion. It’s like giving yoursel ... Show More
15m 46s
May 2024
Ep 66: Breaking Down the Stigmas Behind Mental Health and Building a Safe Space to Heal with Carter Barnhart
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Carter Barnhart, who, in addition to being Melissa’s first client when she was a 1-on-1 nutrition coach, is the CEO and Founder of Charlie Health. Charlie Health is a groundbreaking virtual platform dedicated to delivering personalized, hol ... Show More
1 h
May 2024
Coping When You're Not Heard, Day 6: "The Art of Listening" meditation series
A soothing meditation designed to help you cultivate inner calm and resilience when you feel ignored or overlooked. Through guided breathing and mindfulness practices, you'll learn to reconnect with your inner voice, find self-validation, and embrace a sense of peace and self-wor ... Show More
12m 3s