Accept Dependence

May 20, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

At Home in the Heart

May 7, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Compassion in the Wider World

April 23, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

The Power of Self-Compassion

April 9, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Give Them What They Want

March 29, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Balancing Compassion and Assertiveness

March 26, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Squabbles are Impermanent

March 24, 2013 By

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. … [Read More...]

Recognize Suffering in Others

March 15, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Recognize Suffering in Others

March 15, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

Transform Ill Will

March 13, 2013 By

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 … [Read More...]

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