Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Facing Challenging Experiences

Feb 24, 2020

Explore the necessity of contacting trauma to heal and the resources needed to navigate such experiences. Discover how to address vulnerabilities and cultivate emotional resilience through self-compassion and agency. Learn strategies for safely confronting challenging memories while managing emotions. The discussion highlights the growth that can arise from adversity, emphasizing the importance of courage and gratitude on the journey toward healing. Appreciate the transient nature of suffering and the potential for post-traumatic growth.

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ADVICE

Slow Down and Assess First

Slow down when encountering difficult trauma material to avoid overwhelm.
Assess challenges, vulnerabilities, and resources before proceeding with processing trauma.

ADVICE

Build Agency and Compassion

Build resources like agency, self-compassion, and self-worth after trauma.
Focus on everyday opportunities to enhance efficacy and grow compassion for yourself.

ADVICE

Mindful Disengagement and Calming

Develop mindful disengagement by witnessing feelings without becoming overwhelmed.
Use calming techniques, social support, and an empowering stance to handle trauma triggers.

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A Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook--What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing

Bruce D. Perry

Bruce Perry's "A Boy Raised as a Dog" uses case studies to illustrate the profound impact of early childhood trauma on brain development and behavior. The book highlights the importance of understanding the neurobiological effects of trauma and the need for trauma-informed care. Perry emphasizes the resilience of the human brain and the potential for healing through appropriate interventions. He challenges traditional approaches to understanding and treating trauma, advocating for a more holistic and compassionate approach. The book is a powerful testament to the importance of early intervention and the potential for recovery from even the most severe forms of trauma.

Waking the Tiger

Mark Wightman

Set in December 1939, 'Waking the Tiger' is a historical crime fiction novel that takes place in the British colony of Singapore. The story revolves around Inspector Maximo Betancourt, whose life has fallen apart after the disappearance of his wife. Demoted to the Marine Division, Betancourt is tasked with handling dockyard disputes and goods inspections. However, when a beautiful, unidentified Japanese woman is found murdered near a warehouse owned by one of Singapore's most powerful families, Betancourt defies orders to pursue the case. His investigation brings him into conflict with powerful enemies and forces him to confront his personal demons. The novel vividly captures the atmosphere of 1930s Singapore, delving into the social history and cultural tensions of the time[1][3][5].

Resilient

How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness

Rick Hanson

This book, written by Dr. Rick Hanson and his son Forrest Hanson, focuses on developing inner strengths such as grit, gratitude, and compassion to enhance resilience. It draws on neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology to provide concrete suggestions, experiential practices, and personal examples. The book helps readers overcome the brain's negativity bias, release painful thoughts and feelings, and replace them with self-compassion, self-worth, joy, and inner peace. It also includes effective ways to interact with others and repair and deepen important relationships, all grounded in the science of positive neuroplasticity[2][5][6].