Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Why We Meditate: Purposes, Methods, and Common Misconceptions

04.19.2021 - By Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest HansonPlay

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What's the "point" of meditation, and how can we build a practice that works for us? In this episode Rick and Forrest clear up some common misconceptions about meditation, explore major forms of meditation, and share how you can get more out of your practice.

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Key Topics:

1:15: Forrest’s history with meditation, and some of the benefits of practice.

5:30: What’s the “point” of meditation?

11:30: Skepticism toward narrow views of meditation.

14:10: Do you have to be “spiritual” or “religious” to meditate?

14:45: Three breaths practice.

16:30: Secular vs. spiritual orientations toward meditation.

17:45: The two major tools: insight vs. “calming” meditation. 

20:40: Virtue, concentration, and wisdom.

23:20: The tendency to “skip” to insight. 

26:30: Why Rick meditates.

32:30: What does it mean to be an “intermediate” or “advanced” meditator?

34:15: What are some of the forms meditation can take?

47:45: Recap

As a quick note, there's a little background noise at some moments during the episode.

Forrest has a new YouTube channel! Subscribe to the channel, and watch his newest video over there. 

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