Dr. Rick Hanson: Hardwiring Your Brain for Lasting Happiness
The real question is not what kind of wolves do you have in your inner kennel, but if we do the dozen seconds or so of really savoring, really kind of marinating in our ordinary authentic beneficial experiences a handful of times every day, in effect, given that we have a brain that's tilted toward survival but against quality of life, when we tilt toward beneficial experiences and in particular really take the dozen or so seconds to internalize them, take them in.
What if you could train your brain to be happier? Dr. Rick Hanson, a renowned neuropsychologist and author, believes you can. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer chats with Dr. Hanson about his groundbreaking work on self-directed neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change itself through focused effort. Drawing from his book 'Hardwiring Happiness', Dr.
Hanson explains how we can cultivate lasting happiness, love, and wisdom by feeding our 'good wolf'—the part of us that embodies kindness and bravery. Dr. Hanson delves into the science behind positive thinking and how our brains are wired to focus on negative experiences. He shares practical strategies to counteract this bias by enriching our lives with positive experiences and savoring them fully.
From understanding the three-stage evolution of the brain to recognizing the impact of childhood experiences on adult life, Dr. Hanson provides a comprehensive guide to rewiring our brains for the better. This episode isn't just about theory; it's packed with actionable advice. Dr. Hanson discusses the four factors of enriching experiences and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.
He also highlights the societal pressures that drive fear and negativity, offering ways to counterbalance these influences with positive habits. Whether you're struggling with stress, seeking more joy in your life, or simply curious about the brain's incredible potential, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights. Tune in to learn how you can start hardwiring happiness into your brain today.