When we encounter someone, the mind summarizes and simplifies tons of details. Though fast and efficient this process has lots of problems. As our ancestors evolved, rapid sorting of friend or foe was very useful but is it still.
Rick Hanson
Author / Psychologist
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Biography
Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a psychologist, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His seven books have been published in 33 languages, and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture – with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, as well as the co-host of the Being Well Podcast – which has been downloaded over 15 million times. His free newsletters have over 260,000 subscribers and his online programs have scholarships available for those in need. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and has taught in meditation centers worldwide. He and his wife live in Northern California and have two adult children. He loves the wilderness and taking a break from emails.
Articles
Being Well Podcast: What to Do When Your Worst Fears Come True: Mailbag
Dr. Rick and Forrest open up the mailbag and answer questions from listeners, many of which focused on anxiety experiences and when our worst fears come true.
Meditation + Talk: Finding an Authentic Core of Calm Strength
Feeling stressed and uncertain? Explore how to navigate difficult emotions without being overwhelmed, and create an authentic feeling of calm.
Love Someone
What can you do when there’s nothing you can do? Love Someone. Sometimes something happens. Perhaps your cat takes a turn for the worse, there’s a money problem, or it’s on a larger scale: maybe there’s been an election and you’re grappling with its
Being Well Podcast: Learning to Trust Yourself: How to Stop Self-Abandonment
In this special episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore becoming more self-reliant and learning to trust yourself.
Meditation + Talk: Interbeing and the Beloved Community
Explore the deep connection between Black History, mindfulness, and Buddhism with Dr. Anne Roise, and discover how spirituality and activism intertwine for change.
Pay Attention
Controlling your attention – being able to place it where you want it and keep it there, being able to pull it away from what’s bothersome or pointless.
Being Well Podcast: Everything I Wish I’d Known: A Guide to Personal Growth
In this episode, Forrest focuses on the key lessons from 400 episodes of Being Well, giving you a tailored guide to personal growth.
Meditation + Talk: What Should You Do About Your . . . Shoulds?
The weight of constant “shoulds” can be exhausting and include a lot of self-criticism, regret, and frustration. Learn a different way to motivate yourself that is sustainable and freeing.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
The most important things often get pushed to the sidelines. But if you don’t make a sanctuary for what is important, it will get overrun B and C priorities.
Being Well Podcast: Letting Go: Rumination, Breakups, and How to Stop Feeling Attached
In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest and Dr. Rick focus on one of life’s most challenging but essential skills – letting go.
Meditation + Talk: Remembering Our True Nature
Feeling disconnected? Maria Paula Jimenez helps you reclaim your true nature with mindfulness and compassion with an inspiring talk and guided meditation.