From the Blog

Writings on Well-Being Dr. Rick Hanson

Don’t Rain On The Parade

Mar 26, 2024

Are you too quick with doubt, limitations, cost analyses, reasons why not? If you pour cold water over your hopes and dreams, you’ll never know the warmth and light that might spread if you’d let them catch fire.

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Being Well Podcast: Coping with Quarantine

Apr 6, 2020

In this episode Forrest and I explore how individuals and families can deal with the interpersonal stress that comes from being stuck together, and the sadness and loss that comes from being separated from things we love.

Meditation + Talk: Dealing with Worries and Releasing Anxiety

Apr 1, 2020

In this meditation, talk, and discussion from the Wednesday Night Meditation series, we start with a 45-minute meditation in Releasing Anxiety, Finding Peace. Then, as this is a time of much concern, Rick offers a talk on Dealing with Worries.

Lower the Pressure

Mar 31, 2020

The pressure activates motivational circuits but has inherent collateral damage. Pressure activates ancient motivational circuits that were very effective in keeping our ancestors alive but even at best, there is an inherent collateral damage.

Meditation + Talk: 3 Ways to Deal With Hard Times

Mar 20, 2020

In this meditation, talk and discussion we start with a 45-minute meditation in Grounding in Openhearted Peacefulness. Then, with many concerned about the current Coronavirus pandemic and uncertainty, stress, and anxiety surrounding it, I share three ways for dealing with hard times.

Being Resilient During Coronavirus

Mar 16, 2020

During times like this – with a pandemic such as the Coronavirus – it’s natural to feel afraid, anxious, or threatened. But being consumed by fear causes wear and tear on the body, which actually undermines your safety. Here you’ll find suggestions and resources for how to stay calm and be effective during this challenging time.

A Meditation for Feeling As Safe As You Reasonably Can

Mar 12, 2020

During times like this, it’s natural to feel afraid, stressed, threatened, or anxious – but being consumed by fear causes wear and tear on the body, which actually undermines your safety. That’s why it’s very important to be able to find a place inside that feels calm and strong. And one of the best ways to do this is to notice that you’re alright, right now – which we’ll explore in this 5-minute meditation.

See Your Part

Feb 25, 2020

Acknowledging one’s own part in a difficult situation is one of the hardest – and I think most honorable – things a person can do.

Relax, You’ve Arrived

Feb 4, 2020

Part of this comes from our biological nature. To survive, animals – including us – have to be goal-directed, leaning into the future. This focus – can get confused and stressful.

Rest

Jan 28, 2020

Encourage your mind to come to rest at least occasionally. Tell the truth to yourself about how much time you actually – other than sleep.

Welcome Joy

Jan 14, 2020

What’s the spark and what’s the fuel? Welcome joy. Positive emotions – such as feelings of gratitude, love, and confidence – strengthen the immune system, protect the heart against loss and trauma, build relationships, increase resilience

Speak Wisely

Dec 31, 2019

Often it’s words and the accompanying tone that actually do the most damage. Your ability to speak wisely can prevent lasting emotional pain.

Twelve Good Things 2019

Dec 17, 2019

Each year I use an issue of the Just One Thing newsletter to offer Twelve Good Things that I think are really wonderful and worth your attention. May you and those you love and in fact the whole wide world be truly well, truly happy, and truly at peace UC Berkeley's...