Practical Wisdom with Dr. Rick Hanson

When life feels heavy—when people let you down, when things don’t go your way, when the world just keeps coming at you—it’s easy to feel like you’re not strong enough, not doing enough, or like you have to hold everything together all the time.So this week, I invite you to pause and look a little deeper. Because underneath all the noise, all the stress, all the striving... there's a quiet strength already inside you. The part of you that keeps showing up. That wants to know what’s true. That wants to help. That wants to grow—even when it's hard.When we recognize that strength, we can live more from it and stop trying to fix everything. Instead, we can give ourself a break—without giving up. We can listen for the wiser voice inside that knows the next right step, even when it’s small.This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trusting the good in you—and letting that carry you, one moment at a time.You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks — for free — by signing up at https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/. We always start with a guided meditation to set the tone for the evening. If you’d like to experience the meditation that accompanied this talk, you can listen to it at: https://rickhanson.com/meditation-talk-the-quiet-strength-you-already-have-inside/And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs at https://rickhanson.com/online-courses/, you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Life can be challenging, but our minds often amplify that struggle. Explore how clinging to cravings and negative thoughts leads to unnecessary suffering. Discover four transformative strategies: shift from contraction to openness, transform invasive emotions into mindful presence, practice present-moment awareness instead of mental time travel, and embrace self-compassion by loosening the grip of the self. These insights help cultivate resilience, acceptance, and a more peaceful approach to life's inevitable pains.

How do we connect our personal healing and awakening… to the broader world that’s hurting? This is often called Engaged Buddhism — but honestly, it’s relevant to anyone who wants to live with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, especially in times like these.Inner peace can and should lead to outer action. The Buddha himself confronted systemic suffering in his day. What does that mean for us now, and why do our values — yes, even judgment — actually matter on the path?In this week's episode, I explore:Why inner work isn’t separate from outer workWhy compassion means addressing the causes of suffering, not just feeling bad about itHow to take wise, compassionate action without burning outWhat to do when you’re outraged, overwhelmed, or just tiredWhy the Buddha’s life (including leaving his family) is more complex than the mythHow the Buddha did challenge systemic injustice (yes, including caste and patriarchy)5 practical ways to stay grounded and engaged in a hurting world — right now, right where you areThis is about practical tools, honest reflection, and standing up for what’s good — without burning out. If you’re someone who wants to grow spiritually and make a difference, I think you’ll find something useful here.You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks — for free — by signing up at https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/. We always start with a guided meditation to set the tone for the evening. If you’d like to experience the meditation that accompanied this talk, you can listen to it at: https://rickhanson.com/meditation-talk-engaged-buddhism-including-today/And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs at https://rickhanson.com/online-courses/, you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Many of us are carrying pain, guilt, or resentment that we can’t seem to let go of. So this week I explored something we all face: those moments when we’re stuck — carrying old hurts, regrets, or mistakes that weigh us down.How can we turn a corner inside ourselves? How can we let go, not by forcing it, but by choosing a new path with wisdom and self-compassion?It’s important to recognize when it’s time to move on. It’s not about pretending things didn’t happen. It’s about giving yourself permission to heal, and finding a real sense of freedom and peace inside.If you’re grappling with something hard — maybe an old resentment, grief, guilt, or a tough relationship — I hope this talk gives you some tools, some comfort, and a little encouragement to turn a corner for yourself.You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks — for free — by signing up at https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/. We always start with a guided meditation to set the tone for the evening. If you’d like to experience the meditation that accompanied this talk, you can listen to it at: https://rickhanson.com/meditation-talk-how-to-turn-a-corner-for-the-better/And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs at https://rickhanson.com/online-courses/, you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.