Unlocking the Benefits of Sam Harris Meditation

Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Unlocking the Benefits of Sam Harris MeditationUnlocking the Benefits of Sam Harris Meditation
Key Takeaways

There is a plethora of meditation styles and techniques available, but there are some that resonate a bit more deeply with our quest for enlightenment and inner peace. One of these is the Sam Harris meditation technique. It is unique, effective, and backed by the author's profound understanding of both the philosophy and the science behind meditation.

How are you feeling?
Search below to see if we have a meditation or wellness track for whatever you’re feeling. Just enter your mood and take our short quiz.
Topics
Angry
Fearful
Abundance
Grateful
Tired
Restless
Motivated
Great
Okay
Acceptance and Commitment
Affirmations
Anger
Astrology
Attachments
Balance Emotions
Bedtime
Bible Story
Bible Talks
Binaural
Body Acceptance
Body Scan
Burnout
Calm
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Couples Sex Issues
Courage
Depression
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Discipline
Diversity
Divorce
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
Energy Healing
Equity and Inclusion
Fear
Food Freedom
Gratitude
Grief
Grounding
Positivity & Happiness
Recovery & Healing
Health
Health Coaching
Hope
Hypnosis
Infidelity
Insomnia
Intimacy
Kids
Law Of Attraction
Leadership
Letting Go
Lgbtq
Life Advice
Life Coaching
Anxiety
Confidence & Self-esteem
Motivation & Passion
Relationships
Life Coaching Sleep
Stress
Personal Growth & Success
Transition
Life Lessons
Loss
Love
Loving Kindness
Manifesting
Marriage
Meaning
Meditation Story
Meditative
Learn Mindfulness
Mindset
Moticational
Motivation
Delightful
Dreamy
Energetic
Focus
Epic
Ethereal
Fun
Gloomy
Happy
Heart Warming
Hopeful
Inspiring
Joyful
Melancholic
Mellow
Optimistic
Playful
Powerful
Reflective
Relaxation
Relaxing
Sad
Serene
Sleep
Soaring
Somber
Soothing
Tranquil
Upbeat
Uplifting
Nature Sounds
Nutrition
Pain
Parenting
Peace
Performance
Personal Growth
Pleasure
Positive Emotions
Positive Psychology
Positivity
Prayer
Pregnancy
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reiki
Relax
Release Negativity
Remote Work
Resilience
Self Acceptance
Self Awareness
Self Care
Self Esteem
Self Regulation
Confidence & Self-Love
Sexuality
Restful Sleep
Smoking
Sobriety
Social Skills
Solfeggio
Somatics
Sound Bath
Spirit Guides
Spirituality
Story
Strengths
Reduce Stress
Substance Use
Success
Tapping
Throat Chakra
Tough Conversations
Transformational
Uncertainty
Visualization
Weight Loss
Work
Work Languages
Work Values
Workplace Wellness
Yoga & Movement
Yoga Nidra
Zen
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Patient
Peaceful
Present
Relaxed
Trusting
Agitated
Aggravated
Bitter
Contempt
Cynical
Disdain
Disgruntled
Disturbed
Edgy
Exasperated
Frustrated
Furious
Grouchy
Hostile
Impatient
Irritated
Irate
Moody
On edge
Outraged
Pissed
Resentful
Upset
Vindictive
Amazed
Awe
Bliss
Delighted
Eager
Ecstatic
Enchanted
Energized
Engaged
Enthusiastic
Excited
Free
Inspired
Invigorated
Lively
Passionate
Radiant
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Renewed
Satisfied
Thrilled
Vibrant
Adventurous
Brave
Capable
Confident
Daring
Determined
Grounded
Proud
Strong
Worthy
Valiant
Accepting
Affectionate
Caring
Safe
Warm
Curious
Exploring
Fascinated
Interested
Intrigued
Involved
Stimulated
Anguish
Depressed
Despondent
Disappointed
Discouraged
Forlorn
Heartbroken
Hopeless
Lonely
Longing
Melancholy
Sorrow
Teary
Unhappy
Weary
Yearning
Aloof
Bored
Confused
Distant
Empty
Indifferent
Isolated
Lethargic
Listless
Removed
Resistant
Shut Down
Uneasy
Withdrawn
Ashamed
Humiliated
Inhibited
Mortified
Self - conscious
Useless
Weak
Worthless
Afraid
Anxious
Apprehensive
Frightened
Hesitant
Nervous
Panic
Paralyzed
Scared
Terrified
Worried
Helpless
Sensitive
Appreciative
Blessed
Fortunate
Grace
Humbled
Lucky
Moved
Thankful
Touched
Regret
Remorseful
Sorry
Encouraged
Expectant
Impotent
Incapable
Resigned
Trapped
Victim
Loving
Self - loving
Vulnerable
Burned out
Cranky
Depleted
Exhausted
Frazzled
Overwhelm
Rattled
Rejecting
Shaken
Tight
Worn out
Concerned
Dissatisfied
Perplexed
Questioning
Reluctant
Shocked
Skeptical
Suspicious
Ungrounded
Unsure
Achy
Airy
Blocked
Breathless
Bruised
Burning
Buzzy
Clammy
Clenched
Cold
Constricted
Contained
Contracted
Dizzy
Drained
Dull
Electric
Expanded
Flowing
Fluid
Fluttery
Frozen
Full
Gentle
Hard
Heavy
Hollow
Hot
Icy
Itchy
Jumpy
Knotted
Light
Loose
Nauseous
Numb
Pounding
Prickly
Pulsing
Queasy
Radiating
Releasing
Rigid
Settled
Shaky
Shivery
Slow
Smooth
Soft
Sore
Spacey
Spacious
Sparkly
Stiff
Still
Suffocated
Sweaty
Tender
Tense
Throbbing
Tingling
Trembly
Twitchy
Vibrating
Wobbly
Wooden
Topics
Sleep
Topics
Anxiety
Content type
Affirmations
ASMR
Breathwork
Diversity and Inclusion
Emotional Intelligence
Energy Healing
Health Coaching
Hypnosis
Life Coaching
Masterclass
Mindfulness
Motivation
Music
Personal Story
Podcast
Poem
Positive Psychology
Prayer
Intimacy & Relationships
Healing Sound
Soundscape
Spirituality
Story
CBT
Work Wellness
Track length
< 5 min
5-10 min
10-20 min
20-45 min
45+ min
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1000+
Tracks for you based on your preferences
Get unlimited access to 20,000+ meditations, sleep, and wellness tracks on Aura
Whats included
Fall asleep faster, reduce stress and anxiety, and find peace every day
Exclusive content from top mindfulness experts, psychologists, and therapists
Join live sessions & connect with the community
New content added every week
Lets personalize your experience

Understanding Sam Harris and His Approach to Meditation

Who is Sam Harris?

An author, philosopher, neuroscientist, and podcast host, Sam Harris wears many hats. His profound insight and extensive research in consciousness, morality, and religious beliefs have earned him a prominent place in contemporary philosophy. But it is his exploration into the world of meditation that we are most interested in today.

Harris's journey to mindfulness was unorthodox, set in motion by a psychedelic experience during his youth. It was this transformative event that lead him to study neuroscience and philosophy and, thereafter, meditation.

As a neuroscientist, Harris understood the intricate workings of the brain and its impact on human behavior. This knowledge, combined with his philosophical background, allowed him to approach meditation from a unique perspective.

Throughout his career, Harris has been a vocal advocate for the importance of reason and rationality. He believes that by applying critical thinking to all aspects of life, including meditation, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Aura has the world’s largest and best collection of Meditations and hundreds of Coaches to choose from.

Try it Free!

The Philosophy Behind Sam Harris's Meditation

Sam Harris's approach to meditation combines both eastern and western understandings of the mind. He embraces the dispassionate self-observation of mindfulness while also advocating for the use of critical reasoning. His method doesn't invoke any mystical entities or forces but instead uses meditation as a tool for exploring the nature of consciousness itself.

Harris believes that through meditation, we can gain insights into the workings of our own minds and the nature of our subjective experience. By observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and cultivate a deeper understanding of our own mental states.

By treating introspection as a form of empirical inquiry, Harris allows meditators to not just enhance their emotional well-being but to understand our very capacity for understanding the world.

Through his research and personal practice, Harris has developed a systematic approach to meditation that is accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and regular practice, encouraging individuals to integrate meditation into their daily lives.

Furthermore, Harris acknowledges that meditation is not a quick fix or a panacea for all of life's problems. It is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. He encourages individuals to approach meditation with patience and curiosity, embracing both the joys and challenges that arise along the way.

The Science of Meditation

Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and is known for its ability to promote relaxation, focus, and emotional well-being. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the scientific basis behind these effects. Researchers have been conducting numerous studies to explore the impact of meditation on the brain and overall health.

The Impact of Meditation on the Brain

There is abundant research that suggests meditation has significant effects on the brain. One of the key findings is that regular meditation is linked to increased cortical thickness in areas associated with attention and emotional integration. This means that the brain regions responsible for these functions become thicker and more developed in individuals who practice meditation consistently.

In addition to increased cortical thickness, meditation has also been found to increase grey matter concentration in the brain. Grey matter is the part of the brain that contains the cell bodies of neurons and is involved in various functions such as memory, self-awareness, empathy, and stress regulation. By practicing meditation, individuals can enhance these areas of their brain, leading to improved cognitive abilities and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, studies have shown that meditation can induce changes in brain wave patterns. Specifically, it has been found to promote the production of alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and focused attention. These altered brain wave patterns enable individuals to enter a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus, allowing them to better manage stress and improve their overall mental clarity.

Scientific Studies Supporting Meditation Benefits

The benefits of meditation have been supported by multiple scientific studies. Researchers have found evidence indicating that consistent meditation practice could help decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. By engaging in regular meditation, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner calm and develop strategies to cope with negative emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.

Moreover, meditation has been shown to improve attention and concentration. By training the mind to focus on the present moment, individuals can enhance their ability to concentrate on tasks and reduce distractions. This increased mental clarity can have a positive impact on productivity and overall cognitive performance.

Additionally, research has demonstrated that meditation can promote emotional health by fostering self-awareness and empathy. Through the practice of meditation, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and cultivate empathy towards others. This heightened emotional intelligence can improve interpersonal relationships and contribute to overall psychological well-being.

Furthermore, meditation has been found to enhance general well-being. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can lead to improvements in various markers of mental and physical health, including reduced blood pressure, improved immune function, and enhanced overall quality of life. These findings highlight the holistic benefits of incorporating meditation into one's daily routine.

In conclusion, the science of meditation is a rapidly growing field that continues to uncover the profound effects of this ancient practice on the brain and overall health. The research suggests that by engaging in regular meditation, individuals can experience improvements in attention, emotional well-being, and general quality of life. As the scientific evidence continues to accumulate, it becomes increasingly clear that meditation is a valuable tool for promoting mental and physical well-being.

Exploring the Sam Harris Meditation Technique

The Basics of Sam Harris's Meditation

The Sam Harris style of meditation revolves around mindfulness and mindfulness alone. His techniques include focusing on breath, scanning the body, observing thoughts without judgment, metta (loving-kindness) meditation, and more.

When practicing breath-focused meditation, Harris encourages practitioners to pay close attention to the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. By anchoring their attention to this physical sensation, individuals can cultivate a sense of presence and develop a deeper understanding of their own mental processes.

In addition to breath-focused meditation, Harris also emphasizes the practice of body scanning. This technique involves systematically directing one's attention to different parts of the body, observing any sensations or tensions that arise without judgment. Through this practice, individuals can develop a heightened awareness of their bodily experiences and cultivate a sense of embodiment.

Observing thoughts without judgment is another key aspect of Harris's meditation technique. Rather than getting caught up in the content of thoughts or trying to suppress them, practitioners are encouraged to adopt a non-reactive stance and simply observe thoughts as they come and go. This practice helps individuals develop a greater sense of detachment from their thoughts and cultivates a more spacious and accepting mindset.

Metta meditation, or loving-kindness meditation, is another integral part of Harris's approach. This practice involves generating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill towards oneself and others. By cultivating these positive emotions, individuals can develop a greater sense of connectedness and empathy, both towards themselves and the world around them.

Overall, Harris's meditation techniques take the practitioner on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, going far beyond mere stress relief or relaxation. Through consistent practice, individuals can develop a deep understanding of their own minds, cultivate emotional resilience, and experience a profound sense of inner peace.

aura_ring
Is Aura right for you?Take our quiz to find out.

Unique Features of Sam Harris's Approach

The unique aspect of Harris's technique lies in its focus on helping practitioners gain self-knowledge, understand the mystery of consciousness, and achieve real wisdom.

Unlike some other meditation approaches that aim to achieve specific states of mind, Harris's focus is less on attaining particular mental states and more on grasping the nature of the mind itself. By observing the workings of the mind with curiosity and openness, individuals can gain insight into the fundamental nature of consciousness and the self.

Harris's approach also places a strong emphasis on the integration of meditation practice into everyday life. Rather than viewing meditation as a separate activity to be done in isolation, Harris encourages practitioners to bring mindfulness and awareness into all aspects of their lives. This includes being fully present during daily activities such as eating, walking, and interacting with others.

Furthermore, Harris's approach to meditation is deeply rooted in scientific inquiry and rationality. As a neuroscientist and philosopher, he brings a unique perspective to the practice, exploring the intersection of meditation, psychology, and philosophy. This scientific approach appeals to individuals who value evidence-based practices and seek a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.

In conclusion, the Sam Harris meditation technique offers a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to mindfulness practice. Through techniques such as breath-focused meditation, body scanning, observing thoughts without judgment, and metta meditation, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of consciousness. With its emphasis on integration into daily life and its scientific underpinnings, Harris's approach provides a unique and compelling path towards wisdom and self-transformation.

Benefits of Sam Harris Meditation

Mental Health Benefits

Sam Harris Meditation has profound mental health benefits. By teaching practitioners to detach from their thoughts, it can help reduce anxiety, boost emotional health, improve focus, increase self-awareness, and boost empathy.

Even in the most turbulent times, the techniques can enable practitioners to maintain emotional stability and clarity.

Physical Health Benefits

There are physical benefits, too. Regular meditation can help decrease blood pressure, improve sleep, help manage chronic pain, increase longevity, and boost the immune system.

It can be a cornerstone for anyone seeking a healthier, greater present moment awareness lifestyle.

How to Get Started with Sam Harris Meditation

Using the Waking Up App

To aid the public in their meditation journey, Sam Harris developed the Waking Up app. It offers a guide to understanding the mind, helping users get the most out of their meditation practice.

Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, the app can guide you to understand your mind and live a more balanced life.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to meditation, it's helpful to start slowly. Begin with a few minutes each day and gradually increase your meditation time. Stay consistent, and remember it's about the journey, not just the destination.

Lastly, remember to cultivate patience. The benefits of meditation don't materialize overnight, but with regular practice, you'll start to notice changes in your mindset and lifestyle.

In conclusion, Sam Harris meditation is a powerful tool that can help us understand our minds and improve our well-being. The Aura Health app provides a similar approach, with personalized mindfulness meditation exercises that adapt to your mood and needs. With daily mindfulness reminders and a vast variety of meditations to suit every need, Aura Health could be the perfect companion for those eager to explore the transformative world of meditation.

Aura is Your All In One App for Meditation, Mindfulness Wellbeing

Find peace every day with one app for your whole well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental well-being. Aura is the first all-in-one wellness app that learns how to best help you. Discover an endless library of expert-created tracks for your well-being, all taught by the world’s best coaches, therapists, and storytellers. With Aura's personalized recommendations, you can find peace every morning, day and night.

Aura has the world’s largest and best collection of Meditations and hundreds of Coaches to choose from.

No items found.

Aura Health Team

Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.

July 1, 2023
Meditation

The best sleep of your life is just the start

From meditations to stories to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), find everything you need for your wellbeing in one app.

Most popular in Meditation
Most popular in Story
Most popular in Hypnosis
Most popular in Coaching
Most popular in Therapy
Most popular in Prayer
Most popular in ASMR
Most popular in Health coaching
Most popular in Breathwork
Most popular in Work Wellness
Most popular in Music
Most popular in Sounds
Preview
0:00
0:00
No items found.

Stay Updated: Get the latest from Aura's Mindfulness Blog

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.