Is It Possible to Uproot All Anxiety and Anger? Steve Armstrong Says Yes.

Is It Possible to Uproot All Anxiety and Anger? Steve Armstrong Says Yes.

Meditation can be gorgeous… and it can be absolutely bewildering. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" or "Why does this feel so intense?", this conversation is for you.

In this vintage conversation from 2016, Dan sits down with legendary dharma teacher Steve Armstrong for a clear, compassionate walkthrough of the progress of insight—including why meditation sometimes gets harder before it gets easier, how to navigate the so-called "dark night" phases, and how to keep going without getting lost in the weeds of self-doubt.

Steve Armstrong, our dear friend, teacher, and the founder of Vipassana Metta Dhamma Sanctuary, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2025. His wife and teaching partner, Kamala, was by his side. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser we shared, and held Steve and Kamala in their hearts.

Your generosity made it possible for Steve to receive the 24-hour care he needed in his final months, allowing him to remain at home with comfort and dignity. Your support also helped ease the many practical and emotional burdens Kamala carried during this time.

Steve devoted more than 40 years to teaching the Dhamma and to building Vipassana Metta Dhamma Sanctuary as a place for deep and sustained practice. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the path touched countless lives and will continue to live on through this work. Any future donations to this fundraiser will go toward supporting Kamala as she moves through this period of grief and transition, and as she continues the work at Vipassana Metta Dhamma Sanctuary that she and Steve began together.

If you feel moved, you can find the GoFundMe at this link. Our company has also made a significant contribution to support Steve and Kamala.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why meditation can sometimes trigger emotional turbulence

  • How to understand the "stages" of insight (without clinging to them)

  • Practical ways to stay steady when your practice feels chaotic or confusing

  • How to distinguish between a genuine opening and plain old overwhelm

  • Why equanimity isn't passive—it's powerful

Steve has spent decades helping people wake up. This episode is a chance to receive that wisdom—and, if you're able, to reflect it back with your support.

Related Episodes:

Join Dan's online community here

Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Thanks to our sponsors:
Airbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host.
HomeServe:   Help protect your home systems and your wallet with HomeServe against covered repairs. Go to homeserve.com to find a plan that's right for you.

To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris

Episoder(1032)

That Feeling of "Always-Behind and Never-Enough"—Here's the Antidote | Ellen Hendriksen

That Feeling of "Always-Behind and Never-Enough"—Here's the Antidote | Ellen Hendriksen

How to beat perfectionism without lowering your standards.   Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist who will help you calm your anxiety and be your authentic self. She serves on the faculty a...

19 Mai 20251h 6min

From Proxy: Mic Chooses the Wrong Life

From Proxy: Mic Chooses the Wrong Life

We're excited to share with you an episode of the new podcast Proxy, produced by Yowei Shaw. Today: the case of Mic, who feels like he defied his fate and now has no purpose in life. For her new podca...

18 Mai 202551min

If You're Freaking Out About Politics | Bonus Episode with Dan

If You're Freaking Out About Politics | Bonus Episode with Dan

A few ideas for staying sane in insane times, regardless of your political leanings or who you voted for. Related episode: Joseph Goldstein On: Impermanence, Impersonality, And How To Use Mindfulnes...

16 Mai 202511min

How To Improve Critical Thinking, Embrace Uncertainty, and Stop Self-Censoring | Jenara Nerenberg

How To Improve Critical Thinking, Embrace Uncertainty, and Stop Self-Censoring | Jenara Nerenberg

Plus how to speak up and challenge your own tribe, how to successfully engage with people you disagree with, and more.   Jenara Nerenberg is a journalist and author. Her latest book is called Trust Yo...

14 Mai 20251h 7min

If It's Hysterical, It's Historical: The Liberating Power of Understanding Your Past | Dr. Orna Guralnik

If It's Hysterical, It's Historical: The Liberating Power of Understanding Your Past | Dr. Orna Guralnik

On psychoanalysis, which we haven't talked about much on this show.   Dr. Orna Guralnik is a psychoanalyst and writer. Her writing centers on the intersection of psychoanalysis, dissociation, and cult...

12 Mai 20251h 11min

Why Am I Like This? | Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach

Why Am I Like This? | Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach

Why even self-help authors can still be messy.   Glennon Doyle is the CEO and Founder of Treat Media, an award-winning media company that makes art for humans who want to stay human. She is an author,...

9 Mai 202551min

Conquer Your Money Neuroses | Lewis Howes

Conquer Your Money Neuroses | Lewis Howes

Upgrade your relationship to your wallet.   Lewis Howes is the host of the School of Greatness podcast. He has written several bestselling books. His newest is called Make Money Easy: Your Path to Pea...

7 Mai 20251h 19min

Alchemize Your Anger and Anxiety | Suleika Jaouad

Alchemize Your Anger and Anxiety | Suleika Jaouad

How journaling can transform negative emotions into meaning and agency.   Suleika Jaouad is the author of the instant New York Times bestselling memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, which has been translated...

5 Mai 20251h 8min

Populært innen Helse

fastlegen
rss-gukild-johaug
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
hvordan-har-du-det-mann
psykodrama
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
leger-om-livet
rss-garne-damer
foreldreradet
bak-fasaden-en-reise-i-livet-med-sykepleier-ine
morten-ramm-lar-kakla-ga-til-du-sovner
hjernesterk
rss-lopedrommen
klimaks
hormonelle-frida
rss-skravla-gar
rss-femihelse
g-punktet
rss-sunn-okonomi
sinnsyn