Annaka Harris
Annaka Harris is an author, philosopher, and cultural commentator who has explored the intersection of science, philosophy, and mindfulness. Her insights have been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and Psychology Today. Harris is the author of books such as Conscious: A Brief Guide to Awakening, a guide to understanding and cultivating mindfulness in your life, and the 2-volume children’s book series Wonder, which was praised as a “treasury of reality.” Harris' books have been praised by figures as diverse as Oprah Winfrey, Philip Pullman, and Garth Stein. Harris has also collaborated with New York Times best-selling author Deepak Chopra and Academy Award-winning actress and author Gwyneth Paltrow.
Harris was born in Wichita, Kansas, and she eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she attended Anne Rice’s fiction writing program at USC. Harris then moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in mindfulness and became active in the Bay Area’s meditation community. She started writing articles and meditations online, which attracted the attention of major publications. Harris has also written for publications like The New York Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, and The Daily Beast. Harris is also a co-founder of the popular podcast 10% Happier and is a regular speaker at Wanderlust events around the world.
Harris’ first published book was Conscious: A Brief Guide to Awakening, which was released in 2017. This book is a guide to understanding the differences between meditation and mindfulness and provides practical tools to start cultivating them. The book helps readers understand the science behind mindfulness and provides tangible steps to becoming a more mindful person. Harris’ second book, Wonder, is a two-volume illustrated children’s book series that follows protagonist Lark as she discovers a world “just out of reach,” full of mystery and beauty. Harris’ third book, The Untethered Soul, offers readers an opportunity to “experience a journey of personal growth,” and provides readers with practical tools to foster spiritual and emotional freedom.
Harris has also collaborated with Deepak Chopra and Gwyneth Paltrow to contribute to the audio series, On Purpose. The series focuses on spirituality, mindfulness, human connection, and other topics to foster everyday enlightenment and explores the power of being on purpose. The exploration of these topics creates a foundation for meaningful conversations about our place in the world and how we can create more meaningful lives.
In addition to her published works, Harris has hosted various lectures, workshops, and events, both online and in person. She has taught students of all ages, backgrounds, and ages at U.C. Berkeley, Stanford University, and Columbia University. Harris has also hosted workshops and events that explore the connection between science, philosophy, and mindfulness.
Annaka Harris’ work has been called “bold, brave and luminous” by award-winning author Philip Pullman and “transcendent” by Academy Award-winning actress and author Gwyneth Paltrow. Harris has made a significant impact in the world of mind-body exploration. Her books and collaborations provide readers with a way to explore the power of mindfulness and how to become a more mindful person. Whether it be through her books, her collaborations, her podcasts, her public appearances, or her workshops and lectures, Harris provides an insightful and practical way to cultivate mindfulness in our lives.