From the Blog
Writings on Well-Being Dr. Rick Hanson
Speak From The Heart
Speaking from an open heart can seem so vulnerable yet be the strongest move of all. Naming the truth has great moral force.
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Meditation + Talk: Dealing with Worries and Releasing Anxiety
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
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: Love and Anger in the Time of Corona
Learn how to deal with anger during challenging times and rest at peace in a radiant heart. This is a talk and meditation from Dr. Rick Hanson’s Wednesday Meditation series.
Meditation + Talk: 3 Ways to Deal With Hard Times
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Neurodharma 2019 – Quotes
Quotes to accompany the seven level practice of Neurodharma.
Perceptions of Reality
Just because we disagree about perceptions of reality does not mean that there is not an actual reality, nor does it mean that it is not knowable.
Understanding True Self-Compassion
There is a very useful distinction between two different meanings, or connotations, of the word “victim.”
Finding Agency in a Chaotic World
The art of engaged life is to tap into healthy outrage, fieriness, fierce compassion, moral disgust, etc. without getting sucked into the “poisons” (Buddhist reference) of ill will, hatred, contempt, us-against-them tribalism.
Stress: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Stress is a particular kind of body-mind reaction to challenges that is distinct from normal mobilization.
Put No One Out of Your Heart
It may feel necessary to distance yourself from another person for a while or forever but you never have to put anyone out of your heart.
Twelve Good Things 2018
Each year I use an issue of the Just One Thing newsletter to offer Twelve Good Things. I think they’re really wonderful, and worth your attention.
Resilient Selected for Greater Good Favorite Books of 2018
We're excited to announce that Resilient has been selected by Greater Good as one of their favorite books of 2018. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and Forrest Hanson have the honor of joining other great authors such as Brené Brown, Nadine Burke Harris, Soraya Chemaly, Dolly...
Being Well Podcast: Everyday Giving
At first glance, generosity may not seem like a mental resource, but it strengthens you with a sense of the fullness that’s already inside, while also connecting you with other people. Generosity to others can be a gift to you along the way, giving you even more to...