Dear friends,

I’m writing to share some personal news and offer a (very!) early holiday gift.

First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent feedback on my last newsletter. I hope that the core of the piece—on working skillfully with grief and having better conversations about such a heated topic—offered something useful, even if we disagree on policy.

Next, on a personal note, I’m delighted to share that we welcomed our second child into this world last week. Our son is enthralled with his baby sister, and we’re savoring the blessing of this special time together. All the pain and uncertainty in our world makes the moments with our newborn and toddler that much more tender.

As I sign off on paternity leave, I also wanted to share a small gift with you.

For the rest of October, you can get one year of free access to one of the best meditation apps I know—Happier (formerly “Ten Percent Happier”). Their 'Bad Meditator' campaign dispels a lot misinformation about meditation. Click here to learn more and sign up. *(Details below.)

If you've been here on my list for a while, you know I don't usually promote anything other than my own programs.

So why am I writing about the Happier app?

I’m certainly not a fan of feel good, popular mindfulness. The idea that meditation will solve all your problems by making you feel calm is incomplete and dangerous.

Yet in spite of the name, Happier is one of the only apps I know that accurately reflects the nuances of meditation. They have tons of quality content from founding teachers like Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg and fresh perspectives from next generation teachers.

I even have two courses on the app (Difficult Emotions and Mindful Communication), along with many other guided meditations. If you check it out, I hope you find it useful.

Finally, a little preview of what’s coming for me. I'm launching several new programs next year: an online meditation group plus year-round access to my signature “Say What You Mean” communication courses. I’ll be in touch in December to share more. 

Until then, take good care. 

Warmly,

Oren

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Link broken? Copy & paste this one directly into your browser: https://bit.ly/oren-free-app

* Fine print from the crew at Happier:

Offer expires 10/31/24 at 11:59 PM ET and is valid for new users only. They're so confident you'll love Happier, they're offering a 5-year guarantee. If you stick with it and use the app at least once a month for 5 years and don't feel happier, they'll give you a full refund. For questions about signing up, contact Happier directly at support@happierapp.com. I receive no compensation for sharing this offer.