How to Change Your Perspective

10.09.2023 - By Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson Play

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How we view ourselves, other people, and the world around us has a huge impact on the emotions we feel, the choices we make, and the quality of the lives we lead. These are our perspectives, and they’re the foundation our lives are built on…which is why changing them is so freakin’ hard.

In this episode, Forrest and Rick explore what perspectives are, what a healthy perspective looks like in practice, and how we can deliberately shift our perspectives over time. Specific topics include unpacking where perspectives come from, getting better at identifying when a perspective starts to affect our behavior, and thinking of ourselves as “rivers” rather than “rocks.” By the end of this episode, you’ll learn the key skills you need to change the views that have been holding you back.

Neurodharma Course! Join Dr. Rick for Neurodharma, a live, online course focused on developing seven key qualities that help us steady the mind, warm the heart, and find a reliable sense of inner peace. Neurodharma launches October 14, use code BeingWell20 for 20% off the purchase price.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction and info on Rick’s Neurodharma course

2:10: Aspects of the kind of perspective we’re talking about

5:50: Change, being grounded in reality, and self-compassion

12:40: Fixed perspectives, fear, and a few examples from Rick

19:40: Shame, and conflict with others due to changes in behavior

22:35: Lack of self-confidence leading to rigidity

25:50: De-centering, joy, viewing yourself as a river, and playfulness

31:45: Roleplay, and asking ‘what if?’

35:25: Inquiring into how our perspectives are constructed

44:35: Emotional imagination, and retelling your story

47:10: How our values and aspirations drive our perspective

51:50: Asking which perspectives support what’s important to you

54:05: Recap

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