Practical Wisdom with Dr. Rick Hanson

2d ago

Aging, illness, loss, and mortality can quietly haunt us — especially when they touch the people we love or our own bodies. In this talk, I explore how to meet these realities with compassion and wisdom, and how to rest in something deeper than what inevitably changes. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Dec 10

When you feel alone with your worries, disconnected from others, or burdened by old patterns you can’t seem to shake, it’s easy to think you’re supposed to handle everything by yourself. But science — and deep wisdom traditions — show that feeling genuinely supported is not a luxury; it’s essential for resilience, healing, and well-being. In this talk, we explore how to recognize and receive the social support already around you, and how to strengthen it inside your own mind. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Dec 3

When life feels shaky, fast-moving, or overwhelming, it’s natural to look for something steady to rest in. And for most people, there actually is a lot that protects and nurtures you every day — it’s just easy to take it for granted. So this week, I encourage you to really take in the deep nourishment of refuge—the places, people, practices, and inner qualities that help you feel protected, grounded, and replenished. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Nov 26

Many of us live inside an “invisible cage” made from old fears, guardedness, and habits of staying small. Anxiety shows up not only in dread and worry, but in all the subtle ways we avoid risks, silence ourselves, or brace for what might go wrong. So in this talk, I explore how insight — from psychology, somatic work, and early Buddhism — can help you recognize where anxiety really comes from, loosen its grip, and grow a grounded, calm strength inside. Bit by bit, you can expand your inner cage, reclaim your freedom, and meet life with more confidence and ease. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Nov 19

A lot of us feel overwhelmed these days — flooded by other people’s emotions, worn down by the suffering around us, or confused about how to stay open-hearted without burning out. In this week’s teaching, I talk about the real nature of empathy, the sweetness of compassion, and how to stay grounded while engaging with a world that’s hurting. We explore how to be with our own reactions, how to keep our hearts open without collapsing, and how to move from individual healing to collective action that really makes a difference. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Nov 12

Many of us carry old regrets — choices we made as children or adults that still weigh on the heart. We replay mistakes, wonder “what if,” and feel guilty long after we’ve done the hard work of learning. So this week, I explored how to hold responsibility without shame, and how self-forgiveness, compassion, and perspective can help us lay down our burdens and rest in peace and wholeness. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Nov 5

So often we judge ourselves harshly — reacting quickly, closing off, or staying angry even when we “know better.” But beneath every reaction, even the messy or neurotic ones, is a good intention trying to protect or guide us. In this talk, I explore how to reconnect with our innate goodness, see the good intent beneath our reactivity, and find conviction in taking the higher road — with compassion for others and ourselves. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.

Oct 29

Sometimes we can get stuck in our habits or our personal struggles, and we trap ourselves in a cage of our own making. OR, we see others who are unable to move forward and feel inclined to help them, but find they resist efforts to untangle the strands of their situation. But we can move forward and grow if we face our challenges wisely and with patience. You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks—for free—by signing up here . 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 here . And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs , you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.