Practical Wisdom with Dr. Rick Hanson Respecting Suffering – Theirs as Well as Yours – and Deliberately Cultivating the Inner Strengths That Relieve It
Aug 6, 2025
This discussion tackles the importance of respecting suffering, both ours and that of others. It highlights the necessity of confronting pain with compassion to foster healing. Listeners explore Buddhist insights on accepting life's inevitable suffering and the psychological resilience it can bring. The conversation stresses the significance of emotional awareness, cultural influences on suffering, and the balance of judgment in mindfulness. Techniques for developing inner strength and empathy in relationships are also shared, creating a well-rounded guide to navigating pain.
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Dismissal of Pain Is The Norm
- Most people minimize or dismiss their own pain rather than wallow in self-pity.
- Dismissing pain is far more common and harmful than excessive self-pity.
Face Suffering As A Starting Point
- Buddhism and clinical psychology both begin by acknowledging suffering as central to life.
- Facing pain directly is foundational to healing and growth.
Growing Up With Stoic Parents
- Rick Hanson describes growing up with stoic, dismissive parents shaped by the Depression and WWII.
- He internalized dismissiveness and later had to learn to integrate and accept softer feelings.
