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The Brain Science of Enlightenment | Rick Hanson
Jul 13, 2020
Rick Hanson, a psychologist and author of 'Neurodharma,' dives into the brain science behind enlightenment. He explains how everyday people can harness the benefits of meditation, regardless of their time commitment. Hanson emphasizes the importance of savoring positive experiences and cultivating presence to enhance emotional well-being. Through practical tips, he explores the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality, illustrating how small daily shifts can lead to significant personal growth and deeper connections with oneself and others.
42:22
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Quick takeaways
- Focusing on positive experiences and savoring them can strengthen neural pathways, promoting long-term happiness and emotional transformation.
- Integrating personal feelings with neuroscience insights through 'neurodharma' can enhance stability, connection, and overall emotional health.
Deep dives
The Impact of Positive Experiences on the Brain
Positive experiences often fail to leave lasting impacts due to the brain's negativity bias, which tends to prioritize negative experiences. To counteract this, one can focus on 'taking in the good' by remaining present during positive moments, whether that's feeling relief, connection, or joy. By staying with such experiences for at least a breath or longer, individuals can strengthen the associated neural pathways, as the adage 'neurons that fire together wire together' suggests. This approach involves allowing the richness of the moment to permeate the body, reinforcing beneficial changes in the nervous system and contributing to long-term happiness.
