Rick Hanson, PhD

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Dr. Rick Hanson
2025-08-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 9 more dates
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join Dr. Rick Hanson for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Dr. Hanson’s approach is Buddhist – though you certainly don’t need to be “Buddhist” to come and get value, nor do you need any prior experience with meditation. While the “home base” for this group is the Vipassana tradition, Zen and Tibetan approaches are accepted, respected, and encouraged.
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Rick and the Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Lakiba Pittman
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:30
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Lakiba Pittman for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Lakiba is a Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) teacher certified by Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) in 2014. Working with the Compassion Institute and Stanford Healthy Living, Lakiba develops and delivers public workshops, including culturally relevant and specialized offerings tailored to diverse communities and clients. She is a full-time Lecturer at Menlo College and an Adjunct Professor at both Notre Dame de Namur University and Golden Gate University. Lakiba holds a B.A. in Creative Arts and an M.A. in Organizational Development, and she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Lakiba and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Matthew Legge
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:30
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Matthew Legge for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Matthew has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006, with a focus on building health, dignity, and human rights. He is the author of the award-winning book Are We Done Fighting? Building Understanding in a World of Hate and Division and writes a popular blog of the same name for Psychology Today. More at AreWeDoneFighting.com
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Matthew and the Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Mandar Apte
2025-06-04 18:00 - 19:30
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join Mandar Apte for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Mandar is the Founder and Executive director of Cities4Peace, a strategic peacebuilding consultancy of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values. Prior to this, Mandar worked at Shell for nearly two decades and managed Shell’s GameChanger social innovation and impact investment program. Mandar is also the Producer/Director of From India With Love documentary film that promotes India’s ancient message of nonviolence. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Mandar has studied, practiced and taught meditation practices for the past two decades.
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Mandar and the Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

The Calm Mind Workshop
2025-05-31 09:00 - 13:00
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in reactivity? Learn 4 Habits for Finding Peace in a Chaotic World, in this special live event with Dr. Rick Hanson.

Healing Insecure Attachment
2025-04-26

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Maria Paula Jimenez
2025-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Maria Paula Jimenez for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Maria Paula is a contemplative trainer, compassion coach, and certified psychologist with over a decade of experience in teaching and training programs focused on mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional balance. She currently serves as Head of Training at the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) and Director of the Compassion Corps Grants Initiative. Maria Paula is also a Senior Teacher, Teacher Trainer, and Content Lead for the Compassion Cultivation Program (CCT) at the Compassion Institute, developed at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. In addition to her work with CCT and GCC, Maria Paula is a certified instructor of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program developed by Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, as well as the Self-Compassion for Shame program created by Chris Germer. She is also a certified teacher and teacher trainer of the Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance (MBEB) program, developed by Margaret Cullen. As a therapist, organizational consultant, and lecturer, Maria Paula advises individuals and groups on topics related to well-being, change, contemplative practices, mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, and purpose. Her impactful work extends across various countries and sectors, having partnered with organizations like Google, US Military Spouses, Adidas, and University of Miami.
Learn more about Maria Paula in her website (https://www.mariapaulajimenez.com/en/about) and a recent blog published at the Compassion Institute (https://www.compassioninstitute.com/blog/staff-spotlight-maria-paula-jimenez/)
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Maria Paula and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

Breaking Out of Rumination 5-Week Course
2025-03-29
Join Rick for a 5-week, self-paced course on disrupting negative, obsessive thoughts.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Tina Rasmussen
2025-03-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Tina Rasmussen for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D., began meditating at age 13, and has practiced in Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions for 30+ years. In 2003, she completed a year-long solo retreat, and was later ordained as a Buddhist nun and was the first Western woman authorized to teach by renowned meditation master Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina has been studied by Yale Neuroscience Lab, and is the co-author of Practicing the Jhanas, as well as several books on human potential. She has been interviewed by Time Magazine, Buddha at the Gas Pump, Deconstructing Yourself, and many other programs. Tina works with students worldwide. More at https://luminousmindsangha.com/
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Tina and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Kristine Claghorn
2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Kristine Claghorn for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Kristine Claghorn is a certified compassion educator through Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism, Research, and Education (CCARE). A self-worth coach and creative professional, she helps individuals overcome burnout and imposter syndrome. Previously the Head of Creative Partnerships at the Global Compassion Coalition, she now focuses on creating accessible content about compassion, mindfulness, and personal resilience. Her work includes developing guides on compassionate action and coaching individuals to break cycles of stress and self-criticism.
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Kristine and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.

The Strong Heart 4 Week Series
2025-03-01
A 4-Week series on Improving your Important Relationships with Dr. Rick Hanson.

Wednesday Weekly Meditation and Talk with Daniel Ellenberg
2025-02-26 18:00 - 19:30
Much research has shown that meditation is one of the very best ways to cultivate the brain states of self-awareness, calm and inner peace, lovingkindness, mindfulness, and happiness – as well as strengthen the immune system and nurture other health benefits.
Join guest teacher Daniel Ellenberg for a live-streamed weekly meditation, talk, and discussion. Daniel Ellenberg, PhD is a psychologist, leadership coach, and the founder of Strength with Heart men’s groups and workshops. He is a past president of the American Psychological Association (APA) division on men and masculinities and the founder/director of the Men and Boys Compassion Initiative through the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC). He is currently co-writing a book for men called Strength with Heart and contributed a chapter in A Global Dialogue on Masculinity. He has spent his entire career helping people, particularly men, navigate their lives more mindfully, skillfully, and compassionately and has worked extensively on helping people be courageous and mindful in their interpersonal communication.
And on March 12th, Daniel will be leading a panel discussion called Growing Compassion for Men & Boys, which will include the panelists’ experiences, research findings, and practical recommendations on both why we need to focus on compassion and self-compassion as essential male traits and how we can overcome the factors that stop compassion and self-compassion from becoming core male traits.
These teachings are offered freely, at no charge. And if you like, you may wish to participate in the age-old tradition of generosity through making an offering yourself – called “dāna” – to support Daniel and Rick’s Wednesday Meditations. Generosity itself is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of “self,” and ripples out into the world to touch many people – and perhaps, eventually, even oneself.
