Practical Wisdom with Dr. Rick Hanson

What does it feel like to simply be yourself—without all the striving, fixing, and fabricating? 

In this episode, I explore six key turning points in my own journey of practice, from realizing I could shape my mind, to discovering concentration, to resting more deeply in love and a growing sense of oneness. 

Along the way, I reflect on the challenges of modern life—overthinking, anxiety, emotional overwhelm—and how contemplative practice helps us come to rest in something deeper, steadier, and more peaceful. 

I talk about what it means to truly clock out, how to face what you cannot control, and why letting the sediment settle in the pond of the mind reveals the inner treasures already inside you. I also offer thoughts on anxiety, craving, self-compassion, and how to honor your own path of awakening—wherever you are on it. 

Whether you’re new to practice or have been on the path for years, I hope this reflection helps you rest more fully in your own being.

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-key-steps-in-your-personal-growth-journey/

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.

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 is hard—and then our mind makes it harder. We stew in old regrets, brace for future disasters, cling to how things should be, or take everything way too personally. Sound familiar?

In this talk, I dig into the Buddha’s teaching on dukkha—the unavoidable pain of life—and how we add unnecessary suffering on top through craving. 

But here’s the good news: you can practice your way out of that extra suffering. I’ll walk you through four telltale signs of craving—and four powerful shifts you can make to feel stronger, calmer, and more at peace:

ONE: Contraction → Openness
Notice when you're tight, tense, and gripped—and gently open up to spaciousness and possibility.

TWO: Invasive Negative Emotions → Mindful Presence
Don’t get hijacked by old fears or frustrations. Name them, make room for them, and let them pass through.

THREE: Mental Time Travel → Present-Moment Awareness
Come back from ruminating about the past or catastrophizing the future. This moment, right now, is your refuge.

FOUR: Selfing → Perspective and Self-Compassion
Loosen the grip of “me, mine, and I.” Take good care of yourself as a person—without being imprisoned by the stories of the self.

This isn’t about bypassing pain—it’s about developing the inner resources to meet life as it is, with more equanimity, compassion, and ease.

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-four-ways-to-deal-with-lifes-challenges-without-suffering-them/

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.

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 work
• Why compassion means addressing the causes of suffering, not just feeling bad about it
• How to take wise, compassionate action without burning out
• What to do when you’re outraged, overwhelmed, or just tired
• Why the Buddha’s life (including leaving his family) is more complex than the myth
• How 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 are

This 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.