Why you'll never find happiness where you're looking for it–and where to look instead.

Joseph Goldstein is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of many books including, most recently, Dreamscapes of the Mind.

In this episode we talk about:

Why desire and wanting can keep us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction
The difference between momentary pleasure and deeper happiness
A practical way to watch cravings arise and pass without reacting
Why "not wanting" can feel surprisingly relieving
The Buddhist framework of gratification, danger, and escape
How to think about contentment and the question: how much is enough?
The difference between guilt and wise remorse
How desire, lust, and craving can distort judgment

Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18. Grab your in-person spot here, or sign up to livestream here!

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Additional Resources:

Dharma Seed - freely offered talks from Western Buddhist Vipassana teachers

This episode is sponsored by Function Health — 160+ lab tests a year for $365, with the ability to dive deeper into your results through Function's connections to platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/happier or use code HAPPIER25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

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Lust, Addiction, and Ambition: Why Your Desires Are Wired to Disappoint You | Joseph Goldstein

10% Happier with Dan Harris

Lust, Addiction, and Ambition: Why Your Desires Are Wired to Disappoint You | Joseph Goldstein