Rick Hanson's Blog, page 119
May 20, 2013
Accept Dependence
What makes your life?
The Practice:
Accept dependence.
Why?
Want to try a little experiment?
Stop breathing. Really. For a few seconds, maybe a few dozen seconds, and see how it feels.
For me, this experiment is an intimate way to experience a deep truth, that we live dependently, relying on 10,000 things for physical survival, happiness, love, and success.
For example, within half a minute of no air, most people are uncomfortable, after one minute, they’re panicking, and after four minutes, they’re...
May 7, 2013
At Home in the Heart
The Compassionate Brain
A FREE eight-part video series, hosted by Dr. Rick Hanson, that explores effective ways to change your brain and heart and life.
(Watch or listen to the entire series by registering at http://live.soundstrue.com/compassionatebrain/.)
Session 8:At Home in the Heart — Practical Takeaways from This Series
Session Highlights:
Dr. Rick Hanson shifts from his role as host to summarize the key themes of the guests in the series
Highlighting past participants’ practical methods
Taki...
April 23, 2013
Compassion in the Wider World
The Compassionate Brain
A FREE eight-part video series, hosted by Dr. Rick Hanson, that explores effective ways to change your brain and heart and life.
(Watch or listen to the entire series by registering at http://live.soundstrue.com/compassionatebrain/.)
Session 7: Compassion in the Wider World
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Jean Houston, co-founder of The Foundation for Mind Research and author of The Possible Human: A Course in Enhancing Your Physical, Mental, and Creat...
April 9, 2013
The Power of Self-Compassion
The Compassionate Brain
A FREE eight-part video series, hosted by Dr. Rick Hanson, that explores effective ways to change your brain and heart and life.
(Watch or listen to the entire series by registering at http://live.soundstrue.com/compassionatebrain/.)
Session 6: The Power of Self-Compassion
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Kristin Neff, professor of human development and culture at the University of Texas, Austin and author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up an...
March 29, 2013
Give Them What They Want
What’s up with these people?
The Practice:
Give them what they want.
Why?
Research shows that relationships are built from interactions, and interactions are built from moments. A critical moment in an interaction is when one person wants something from the other one. (“Wants” include wishes, needs, desires, hopes, and longings.) The want could be simple and concrete, like “Please pass the salt.” Or it could be complex and intangible, such as “Please love me as a romantic partner.”
Wants can be...
March 26, 2013
Balancing Compassion and Assertiveness
The Compassionate Brain
A FREE eight-part video series, hosted by Dr. Rick Hanson, that explores effective ways to change your brain and heart and life.
(Watch or listen to the entire series by registering at http://live.soundstrue.com/compassionatebrain/.)
Session 5: Balancing Compassion and Assertiveness
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Kelly McGonigal, senior teacher and consultant for the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and author of The...
March 24, 2013
Squabbles are Impermanent
Latest talk by Rick Hanson at his Wednesday night sitting group in San Rafael, CA. More information on the San Rafael Mediation group is available at http://www.rickhanson.net/teaching/meditation-group.
March 15, 2013
Recognize Suffering in Others
Where Does It Hurt?
The Practice:
Recognize suffering in others.
Why?
We’re usually aware of our own suffering, which – broadly defined – includes the whole range of physical and mental discomfort, from mild headache or anxiety to the agony of bone cancer or the anguish of losing a child. (Certainly, there is more to life than suffering, including great joy and fulfillment; that said, we’ll sustain a single focus here.)
But seeing the suffering in others: that’s not so common. All the news and pic...
March 13, 2013
Transform Ill Will
Do you bear a grudge?
The Practice:
Transform Ill Will.
Why?
Goodwill and ill will are about intention: the will is for good or ill. These intentions are expressed through action and inaction, word and deed, and-especially-thoughts. How do you feel when you sense another person taking potshots at you in her mind? What does it feel like to take potshots of your own? Ill will plays a lot of mini-movies in the simulator, those little grumbling stories about other people. Remember: while the movie is...
March 12, 2013
The Evolution of Compassion: From Gene to Meme
The Compassionate Brain
A FREE eight-part video series, hosted by Dr. Rick Hanson, that explores effective ways to change your brain and heart and life.
(Watch or listen to the entire series by registering at http://live.soundstrue.com/compassionatebrain/.)
Session 4: The Evolution of Compassion: From Gene to Meme
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and author of Born to Be Good: The Science of a Me...
