Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Feeling like a good person can be unexpectedly challenging. Cultural messages, shame, and comparison often cloud our self-perception. Discover the benefits of embracing your inner goodness, which can lead to reduced self-medication and increased generosity. Strategies to cultivate this feeling include compassion for yourself and recognizing everyday good intentions. Dive into the balance between top-down beliefs and bottom-up feelings for a more authentic self-view.

Explore the clash between your inner critic and nurturer. Discover how childhood experiences often amplify self-criticism. Learn strategies to limit this harsh inner voice while nurturing your supportive side. Delve into finding a balance between useful criticism and compassion. Uncover ways to strengthen your inner nurturer through positive experiences. Consider creating a mental support committee to foster self-encouragement. Lastly, find techniques to intercept negative self-talk before it spirals out of control.

On today’s episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Hanson interviews Dr. Paul Gilbert, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Darby and the founder of compassion focused therapy. They explore how we can grow a healthy sense of self-worth, be honest without being critical, and stop undermining our own confidence.The content of today's episode was taken from Dr. Hanson's online course, The Foundations of Well-Being.Sponsor Message: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the metaphor of first and second darts, exploring how our reactions often inflict more pain than the original events. Learn how criticism can spiral into rumination, causing unnecessary suffering. The hosts share strategies to manage these reactions, stressing the importance of shifting focus towards gratitude and strengths. They delve into how our second darts can impact relationships and suggest practical ways to reduce conflict. Embrace resilience and navigate away from self-punishment for a happier life!

Attachment Theory is one of the most important frameworks in psychology. Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore why this theory is so relevant for everyday life, and how adults who may have had challenging childhood relationships can become more securely attached in the here and now.If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.Sponsor Message: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes The material in this podcast comes in large part from our book Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. If you like the podcast, you'll love the book!Timestamps:1:00: The spectrum of confidence.2:10: How does confidence “get into” the brain?4:30: Learning confidence.5:45: Why do we care so much about the opinions of other people?10:30: The link between social and physical pain.12:45: Secure and insecure attachment.20:00: Attaching differently to different kinds of people.23:50: How to become more securely attached.30:30: Why does creating a coherent narrative help us become more securely attached?35:50: Being someone others can securely attach to.40:40: Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how happiness for others serves as a powerful antidote to envy and disappointment. The hosts delve into the psychological benefits of celebrating others, even those with whom we struggle. They discuss the importance of mending relationships through altruistic joy and how it can enhance emotional well-being. Furthermore, learn practical strategies to overcome blocks to genuine happiness for others, fostering compassion and connection. Embrace the art of joyfully supporting others to cultivate a healthier, more resilient mindset.

Discover why savoring life's little pleasures can boost your mental resilience. The hosts explore the psychological benefits of pausing to appreciate small joys and how this practice can buffer against stress. Learn why many struggle with savoring these moments due to habits or cultural factors. Get practical tips to enhance your ability to take in the good, including scanning for pleasures and allowing yourself to fully experience them. Plus, hear a touching story that illustrates the joy found in interpersonal connections.

Gratitude isn’t just a gift for others; it’s a powerful tool for our own well-being. The hosts discuss how positive emotions can enhance mental health and resilience. They explore the psychological benefits of thankfulness, which fosters connection and counters individualism. Critiques about gratitude's misuse are acknowledged while emphasizing its importance for the disadvantaged. Daily practices for cultivating thankfulness are shared, alongside ways to embrace small moments of joy that enhance overall happiness.

How can we set and stick to our goals without getting overly attached to them or punishing ourselves if we backslide? Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore how we can feel more successful by noticing the many small goals we accomplish each day, and fully internalizing that experience so it becomes a lasting resource.If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.Sponsor Message: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes The material in this podcast comes in large part from our book Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. If you like the podcast, you'll love the book!Timestamps:0:50: Why is having a healthy relationship with our goals so important for mental health?4:30: How can we achieve a more healthy relationship with our goals?6:35: The social pressures that help us feel unsuccessful.8:30: What are process goals?9:55: What are outcome goals?10:20: The many opportunities to meet our goals.11:40: Hacking the natural pleasure systems in the brain.14:25: If we have so many opportunities to experience success, why don’t we?17:50: What about when we aren’t successful? How can we better manage those feelings of failure?21:30: Risking the “dreaded experience.”24:30: Isn’t the fear of failure really motivating though?29:50: Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the powerful link between physical vitality and mental grit. Discover how body acceptance is essential for nurturing self-esteem and resilience. The discussion tackles societal beauty standards and their impact on self-image, offering strategies for redefining personal beauty. Listeners will learn the importance of valuing their body’s capabilities, as well as practical exercises for fostering appreciation. Plus, gain insights on creating healthy habits and the role of community support in enhancing overall well-being.