Owen O’Kane - How to Become Ten Times Happier and Why Comparison is Killing Your Joy

Today’s guest is Owen O’Kane.

Owen grew up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles and battled his own guilt and sexuality as a Catholic. His experiences have turned him into one of the prominent psychotherapists of our day, and you'll his wisdom pour through in this conversation (and his fantastic books).

Owen is a psychotherapist and author of the globally acclaimed and Sunday Times best seller book, Ten To Zen. He has over 25 years’ experience in physical and mental health and is a former NHS Mental Health Clinical lead. He now runs a successful private practice in London.

He is a well-known speaker and a regular contributor to press and media and is also a script advisor for BBC Drama on psychological matters. Owen believes that a great mind warrants unprecedented improvements for every aspect of life.

His new book, Ten Times Happier, is available now.

Listen as we discuss:

• If we can be 10x happier, how unhappy are we now?
• People rarely talk about their role in their own suffering.
• Owen's early career working with end-of-life patients, and the awakening they gave him.
• His struggles growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles and as a gay Catholic.
• How the only route to enlightenment and wisdom seems to be to go through hard times.
• The importance of adopting a hopeful perspective and getting over the paralysis of fear.
• An experience with a resistant patient who underwent an explosive catharsis.
• Having the courage to admit your struggling is a massive step forward.
• Owen's dog joins the conversation!
• Comparison is the killer of joy.
• His first book, Ten to Zen and the 10-minute method to slowing down.
• Why is happiness so elusive to some people?
• The most simplified answer to happiness: flow with whatever happens the best you can.

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Connect with Owen O'Kane on Instagram @owenokaneten and his website, owenokane.com.
 
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Facebook: @mo.gawdat.official
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Website: mogawdat.com

Don't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Saturday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy