Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson are joined by James Baraz, a meditation teacher for over 40 years and cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, to explore how we can find still find joy during difficult times. We discuss how to balance a sense of equanimity with compassion for the suffering of the world, and how cultivating joy at an individual level can support healing at the collective level.About our Guest: James is the coauthor of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness, and leads the popular online course of the same name. He is also the guiding teacher of One Earth Sangha, a website devoted to expressing a Buddhist response to climate change.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction1:45: Why joy is important in Buddhism5:05: James’ journey to prioritizing joy11:40: How to practice awakening joy without turning away from suffering17:20: Putting yourself back together after cultivating awareness of suffering24:10: The 10 Steps of Awakening Joy28:45: How people can use emotionally positive states in contemplative practice32:00: Positivity in relation to the climate crisis and other collective challenges38:05: Equanimity, compassion, including both sides of the river43:35: The great perfection47:10: James’ realistic hope for the next 25 years 49:30: RecapAwakening Joy: Awakening Joy is an internationally recognized course designed to awaken joy through exciting themes and practices that incline the mind toward well-being and deeper insight. It's a 5-month course taught online by James, check it out and learn more here. Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Find the new CBD+ performance gummies and the whole dosist health line-up today at dosisthealth.com. Use promo code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off your purchase. Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Being Well, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson talk with Dr. Zindel Segal about Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), an eight-week group therapy program designed to help those who suffer from chronic unhappiness and prevent relapse after episodes of severe clinical depression.About our Guest: Dr. Segal is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto at Scarborough, and one of the creators of MBCT. He specializes in mood disorders, particularly depression, and has had an enormous influence on the clinical adoption of mindfulness-based practices and their addition to more traditional forms of cognitive therapy.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction2:00: Origins of MBCT4:30: Why Segal prioritized studying mindfulness as an intervention to depression7:10: Comparing MBCT with traditional CBT10:20: What about depression makes us more reactive to thoughts and feelings?13:15: Mindfulness of sadness vs direct experience18:35: MBCT practices explained23:10: Three minute breathing space exercise31:00: Attentional control training33:45: Managing feelings of inadequacy39:00: Motivation and implicit compassion43:15: Ongoing practices after the MBCT course45:45: Creating access to mindfulness resources48:15: RecapFrom Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25 at checkout for an additional 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Sponsors:Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson reflect on 2021, and explore how to maximize what we get out of 2022. We discuss how to rest in our aspirations, claim identity-based change, reframe personal narratives, and form the habits that lead to a more grounded, meaningful life.Thank you for listening over the last year, looking forward to much more!Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25 at checkout for an additional 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Key Topics:0:00: Introduction2:20: How was 2021 for you?5:35: Gratitude for listener support8:25: Rick’s yearly reflection process12:45: Collaging practice18:35: Language, and keeping a positive orientation toward desires and resolutions26:55: Sentence completion exercise31:10: Identity-based change35:25: Rick’s approach to nature-based change39:30: Reframing personal narratives43:35: Making room for new parts of yourself in middle age46:10: Process for forming resolutions outlined.53:35: Rick and Forrest’s goals for 202258:05: Drawing on the support of others59:30: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve received a substantial number of questions from our listeners regarding familial estrangement: when one family member distances themselves from the others, or chooses not to interact with them at all. It’s a common and extremely challenging situation, and the pain related to it can be particularly intense during the holidays.Today on Being Well, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson discuss family estrangement, particularly between parents and children, and how the questions we engage in this territory apply more broadly to how we balance our own boundaries with the responsibilities we have toward other people.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Key Topics:0:00: Introduction3:05: Our framework for discussing estrangement in this episode6:10: Joining and distancing9:40: Duties in relationship between children and aging parents15:35: Parents’ behavior then vs. now19:00: Distinguishing family systems from parents as individuals24:10: Functional forgiveness when someone doesn’t show remorse26:45: Choosing the kind of relationship we want to have31:45: Parents’ pain when children distance33:40: How parents can consider the child’s perspective39:40: Grieving an estranged relationship internally45:30: Approaches to interacting with estranged children52:30: How to decide whether or not to engage in a relationship55:10: Awareness of cultural influences57:20: Ownership and what parents can do to repair1:03:00: The wide range of variables influencing family relationships1:07:00: Wishing well regardless of circumstances1:09:30: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson expand their conversation focused on finding a long-term partner to include what traits to look for, and how to navigate early sticking points. They discuss life growth curves, how to manage early conflict, healthy approaches for dealing with rejection, and how to support those still navigating a difficult search.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Key Topics:0:00: Introduction2:45: Green and red flags to look for in a partner8:50: Pursuer-distancer dynamic9:45: Shared growth curves--relationship as a process, not a person12:50: Riding the river of practical daily life19:25: Someone who brings out the best parts of you 25:25: Different kinds of romantic relationships28:55: Rejection and feeling wanted30:45: Asymmetry and power dynamics34:40: Agency within the pain of rejection40:05: Recognizing self-worth45:00: Managing early conflict51:50: The struggle to find a prospective partner59:40: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Check out Woven Earth's line of sleep-supporting CBD products!  Use code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off the purchase price of any of their products.Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve spent a lot of time on Being Well discussing how to improve our relationships - how to navigate conflict effectively, communicate more skillfully, and create a romantic relationship that’s truly fulfilling - but we’ve spent very little time talking about how to get into one of those relationships in the first place.Today, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson talk about how to maximize your chances of finding a fulfilling long-term relationship. They explore how to develop a clear intention of what you want, the key psychological skills that invite a healthy relationship, and how to market yourself authentically while dating.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction1:55: What supports people in finding a long-term partner?4:35: Having a clear intention8:45: Psychological skills to maximize our chances of finding a long-term relationship12:15: Marketing and sorting through suspects14:40: Intention expanded22:15: Psychological skills expanded22:50: A healthy sense of self worth26:10: Being aware of your selection biases29:35: Communication skills34:30: Seeing the best in one another37:30: Settling anxious and avoidant tendencies42:00: Resting in presence with someone43:15: Not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good44:25: Marketing explained55:00: Authenticity58:20: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Find the new CBD+ performance gummies and the whole dosist health line-up today at dosisthealth.com. Use promo code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off your purchase. Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s natural to have moments – even in the course of a generally happy, mostly fulfilling life – where we question our meaning, value, and purpose. This "existential dread" sometimes culminates in an "existential crisis." Today Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson consider how we can confront these basic questions with acceptance and curiosity, and find the meaning and purpose that can help us live good lives.If you're in crisis, are thinking about suicide, or are concerned about a loved one, please call 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching to listening? You  can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00 Introduction2:35 Meaning and purpose as the basis for Existentialism5:20 Four basic issues of existence7:00 Practical reasons for exploring Existentialism10:50 Forrest’s childhood acceptance of death.12:00 Four approaches to confronting existential frailty13:45 Rick’s orientation to existential dread and its three psychological challenges15:45 Rick’s personal experience confronting ambivalence and asking the point of living20:25 Confronting an existential crisis as a catapult into a meaningful life22:45 Morbid preoccupation as avoidance and self-ing23:45 The three major whys of living: pleasure, service, and learning26:10 What death can teach us about living a good life31:30 Waves and water - resting in gratitude for life and it’s inevitable ending36:15 Humor in the space of emptiness between living things39:10 Natural fear vs. anticipatory dread43:10 Finding your why when familiar structures break down48:35 Recap and front porch meditationSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, joins hosts Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson to discuss moving past perfectionism and unhealthy striving. They explore the costs of perfectionism, productivity anxiety, psychological flexibility, and calming the threat system. They also provide practical tips for managing challenges, developing a broader perspective, and making incremental changes.

We all want a relationship that's more than just functional, we want one that's truly fulfilling. On today's episode Forrest is joined by a wonderful therapist and author who focuses on giving people the tools they need to communicate, navigate hard times, and create deeper connections with other people: Elizabeth Earnshaw. They explore:  How the pandemic impacted our relationships The Gottman approach The stages of a relationship Balancing differing needs for intimacy How to request, and give, repair. They then close the episode with a fun game focused on debunking common relationship myths.About our Guest: Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the founder of A Better Life Therapy, and the author of I Want This to Work. You might also know her as @lizlistens on Instagram, where she’s helped countless people transform their relationships.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You  can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction.1:45: Elizabeth’s background.5:30: How did the pandemic impact relationships?7:30: Responding to stress in relationships.9:00: Co-regulation.11:15: Punishing others for our unpleasant emotions. 13:45: The four stages of relationships.17:50: What to look for in a partner. 20:10: The “Four Horsemen” of bad relationship communication. 24:25: Key skills for navigating conflict together. 27:00: How to request repair from your partner.34:10: Deciding if you should leave.37:45: Interdependence.41:30: Balancing differing needs for intimacy.46:30: The Instagram Meme Game: Common misconceptions about relationships.47:30: “Partners should share everything with each other.”50:30: “Your partner should be your ride or die.”52:15: “Never go to bed angry.”54:50: “My partner is my missing piece.”56:35: “If you can’t handle me on my worst day, you don’t deserve me on my best day.”1:02:05: Recap.Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:From Boston Globe Media comes a new podcast, TURNING POINTS, a show about navigating mental health. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Find the new CBD+ performance gummies and the whole dosist health line-up today at dosisthealth.com. Use promo code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off your purchase. Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're continuing our exploration of the key inner strengths and psychological skills we truly feel like we couldn’t live without. In the second of two episodes dedicated to this topic, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson talk about joy, seeing the mind's deceits, keeping your good humor, the wild spirit, and finding meaning.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You  can watch this episode on YouTube.From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. Key Topics:0:00: Introduction1:30: Cognitive restructuring: fighting your negative brain.7:10: Not taking things so seriously. 9:40: The “stage play” of life.12:40: Joy.17:40: The wild spirit. 23:20: Breaking our patterns. 25:15: The “routinization of charisma.” 29:00: Finding meaning. 38:40: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:From Boston Globe Media comes a new podcast, TURNING POINTS, a show about navigating mental health. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Find the new CBD+ performance gummies and the whole dosist health line-up today at dosisthealth.com. Use promo code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off your purchase. Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices