Develop a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time
52 Practices for Peace of Mind, Inner Strength, and Lasting Contentment
Change Your Brain for the Better
Each day we are pushed around by external forces – from the economy to the people we live and work with – and by reactions to these that come from ancient reptile/mammal/primate/caveman circuits inside our own brains. But now, with the power of modern neuroscience, we can take charge of the brain and gradually change it for the better.
That’s the promise of Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time – which shows you down-to-earth ways to build up a “buddha brain” for more peace of mind in stressful times, greater inner strength and confidence, and an unshakeable sense of contentment and worth.
Just One Thing has been praised by leading scholars, psychologists, and meditation teachers – including Jack Kornfield, Ph.D., Tara Brach, Ph.D., Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., Kristin Neff, Ph.D., Ronald D. Siegel, Psy.D., Sharon Salzberg, Christopher K. Germer, Ph.D., Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D., Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D., and Wes Nisker – and you can read their endorsements.
The original meaning of the word “buddha” is one who knows how to be truly happy and effective. Developing a buddha brain is for anyone – Christian, Jewish, atheist, etc. – who wants this kind of brain.
The book presents 52 practices – simple actions inside your mind – that light up neural networks of deep well-being and resilience. And because “neurons that fire together, wire together,” each time you do a practice, it strengthens key neural circuits like building a muscle in the gym.
Each practice is grounded in modern neuroscience, positive psychology, Rick’s background in the very real world of business and raising a family. Each bite-size chapter introduces a new practice, explains why it’s important, and shows you how to do it.
We are so busy these days that it’s great to have just one thing to focus on to make your life better. Practice is not some flabby, airy-fairy mumbo-jumbo – it takes grit and honest work – you earn the results, and can respect yourself for them.
Broken up into five user-friendly sections, this pocket-sized “owner’s manual plus toolbox” helps you transform your brain from the inside out. The practices offered take at most a few minutes a day – and can be done anytime, anywhere. They include:
• Get on Your Own Side
• See the Good in Yourself
• Feed Your Brain
• Fill the Hole in Your Heart
• Risk the Dreaded Experience
• Accept the Limits of Your Influence
• Don’t Throw Darts
• Notice You’re Alright Right Now
• and so much more!
Bottom line, it’s the law of little things. A small thing repeated each day adds up over time to produce big results; a small thing that is in your power to do – in a world in which so many things are not. Just one small thing that could change your life!
Rick Hanson has done the work for us distilling decades of self-inquiry and key psychological research into 52 essential skills for healthy, happy living.
This deceptively simple book is a trustworthy guide to living our lives more deeply and fully. Read, practice, and your brain will surely return the favor.
Just One Thing is a brilliant, concise, and wise recipe book for people who want to live with greater ease, joy, and skill. It clarifies the five foundations of living a great life and provides powerful practices to help people live more fully.
While the form in which Just One Thing is written may appear simple, the messages are deep, profound, and useful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who dreams of thriving
Rick Hanson brings his compelling perspective – he is both a neuropsychologist and an experienced meditation practitioner – to this pragmatic consideration of wisdom practices.
Down to earth and inspiring, Just One Thing is a companionable guidebook for inner travelers on a path of transformation, written by one who knows the territory well.
Delightfully clear and practical, this book distills profound insights from ancient wisdom traditions, modern psychology, and cutting-edge neurobiology into simple techniques anyone can use to live a happier, saner, more rewarding life. I felt more awake and alive after reading just a few pages.
Read more endorsements and reviews
Excerpts
Rest
Encourage your mind to come to rest at least occasionally.
Notice You’re All Right Right Now
Learn how to access a fundamental sense of alrightness, even when getting things done.
Take Pleasure
When you find pleasure in life, you are not pushing away things that are hard or painful.
Order Your Copy
Just One Thing is available wherever books are sold in hardcover, paperback, audiobook (CD or download), and numerous eBook formats, including Kindle, iBook, Nook, and Google Play.
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Out of print (used copies may be available): Korean
Online Program:
Just One Minute
Build a Happier, Healthier Mind in Just a Minute or Two a Day
What if, in under 2 minutes a day, you could hardwire an unshakeable sense of contentment, self-worth, and peace of mind into your brain?
In this new online program, New York Times bestselling author and leading expert on positive neuroplasticity, Dr. Rick Hanson, offers 57 brief practices that strengthen the neural networks of deep well-being and resilience.
This program gives you just one thing to focus on each day to gradually change your brain for the better so you can handle the stresses and challenges of everyday life with greater ease, inner strength, and confidence.