Rick Hanson's Blog, page 80
March 17, 2017
Spirit Rock
Rick’s Picks is a series of posts highlighting the very best content online.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center has been my primary personal wellspring of spiritual practice. I love Spirit Rock. Check out the workshops and retreats from this peaceful, welcoming, world-renowned center.
To view their upcoming programs, visit their calendar here.
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March 15, 2017
Don’t Quarrel
Who do you argue with?
The Practice
Don’t quarrel.
Why
It’s one thing to stick up for yourself and others. But it’s a different matter to get caught up in wrangles, contentiousness, squabbles . . . in a word: quarrels.
Similarly, it’s one thing to disagree with someone, even to the point of arguing – but it’s a different matter to get so caught up in your position that you lose sight of the bigger picture, including your relationship with the other person. Then you’re quarreling.
You know...
March 12, 2017
A Caring, Joyful Heart
As you probably know, compassion and loving kindness are central elements of Buddhism.
They arise naturally in response to one of those three fundamental characteristics of existence: interdependence/not-self/emptiness. They are also a beautiful path of spiritual practice. And they just feel good: “Through compassion one is free from lethargy and depression.” (Acariya Dhammapala)
Interestingly, a scientifically based tradition as hard-headed as Western psychology is also beginning to find tha...
March 10, 2017
Chris Picco Sings “Blackbird” to Son in NICU
Rick’s Picks is a series of posts highlighting the very best content online.
After his wife unexpectedly and tragically passed away in her sleep, Chris Picco’s son Lennon was delivered by emergency c-section at just 24 weeks. Chris decided to bring his guitar to sing Blackbird to his baby, Lennon, as Ashley, his wife, would often feel Lennon moving to the music. Sadly, Lennon died in Chris’s arms several days later. Chris used his music, even during their memorial, to continue to connect to...
March 8, 2017
Give No One Cause to Fear You
What puts people at ease?
The Practice
Give no one cause to fear you.
Why
We evolved to be afraid.
The ancient ancestors that were casual and blithely hopeful, underestimating the risks around them – predators, loss of food, aggression from others of their kind – did not pass on their genes. But the ones that were nervous were very successful – and we are their great-grandchildren, sitting atop the food chain.
Consequently, multiple hair-trigger systems in your brain continually scan for thr...
March 7, 2017
Turn Toward Suffering, from Frank Ostaseski
In Western culture, we are taught that if suffering exists, something is wrong. It is a mistake. I had a boss years ago who, when something didn’t work out, demanded, “Whose fault is this? Who is to blame?” When I would explain that sometimes things just don’t go according to plan, he would yell, “Don’t be ridiculous! This is somebody’s fault.
When we believe that suffering is a mistake, it’s no wonder we do everything in our power to steer clear of it. Our avoidance instinct is also due to t...
March 5, 2017
Interview with Dr. Randy Kamen
Dr. Randy Kamen interviews Dr. Rick Hanson for the Finding Fulfillment and Joy in Midlife online summit. Learn how you can live a rich and meaningful life despite inevitable challenges that may arise as we grow older.
Learn more about Dr. Kamen here, or check out her book, Behind the Therapy Door: Simple Strategies to Transform Your Life.
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March 3, 2017
How To Use Math To Crush Your Friends At Monopoly
Rick’s Picks is a series of posts highlighting the very best content online.
Monopoly is a classic American game and an excellent way to spend some quality time with your family – being present with them. Using some great math skills to dominate the game would make the experience even better and you, extremely skillful.
Walter Hickey, a former reporter for Business Insider, is here to help!
The post How To Use Math To Crush Your Friends At Monopoly appeared first on Dr. Rick Hanson.
March 1, 2017
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 an...
February 26, 2017
Listen to Your Longing for Peace
Here is a talk from the San Rafael Meditation group with Rick Hanson. It is titled, “Listen to Your Longing for Peace.”
More information on the San Rafael Meditation group can be found here.
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