When your mind changes, your brain changes, too. As a result, even fleeting thoughts and feelings can leave lasting marks on your brain, much like a spring shower can leave little trails on a hillside.
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 25 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
Taking in the Good
Your mind is built from the experiences you have. The flow of experience gradually sculpts your brain, thus shaping your mind.
Resolving Quarrels
Disagreements and grievances are normal in any relationship, whether it’s between a mom and dad, or between two nations or peoples. Here are four things that will lead to your best chance of resolving a quarrel.
Good Intentions: Neurological, Contemplative, and Practical Perspectives
The first question regarding intention is, for what? All the great wisdom traditions of the world, and all the great moral philosophers, have grappled with this question.
Talking About Parental Values
Parents often work out their differences informally, but sometimes, you’d benefit from a process that’s a little more structured. Here are some questions to help discuss the values that guide your parenting.
Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an especially beneficial way to counter painful emotions and stress. Here are some thoughts and exercises about being grateful.
Relaxed and Content, Part 2
Learn about the long-term results effects of chronic sympathetic nervous system activation, a simple but comprehensive strategy for dampening the sympathetic nervous system and fueling the “rest and digest” parasympathetic nervous system and more.
Making Time for Your Relationship
During periods of intense demands – such as the first months after birth – it’s normal for a couple to have less time for each other. Time together for conversation, doing fun things together, sweet moments, and affection is the foundation of a strong and enduring love. Here are some suggestions for busy parents.
Relaxed and Content, Part 1
In this article, you’ll get a crash course in your own nervous system and how the PNS fits into it, mixed with lots of ways you can use to activate your own PNS.
15 Ways to Feel Good
With some simple strategies, you can hardwire more happiness, love and wisdom into your brain, and thus your life, according to psychologist, speaker and New York Times bestselling author Dr Rick Hanson
Getting More Help From Your Partner
Some couples are equal partners in the work of making a family, but not all. If you are one the many who would like more help from your partner, here are some suggestions for you.
How to Take in the Good
This is a brief article outlining the basic steps of training your brain to retain positive experiences.