Summary
In this episode, we have a very stimulating conversation about happiness. It is more on understanding the “why” of happiness than the specific practices, however, I feel in understanding and reflecting on this conversation allows you to assemble your own take. In doing that you can find more purpose towards cultivating happiness in your pursuit.
With simple practices, you can hardwire more happiness, love, and wisdom into your brain and your life—Really!
Dr. Rick Hanson has spent decades gathering research, information, practices, and other resources to help people just like you turn everyday experiences into a powerful sense of lasting well-being.
He is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and New York Times best-selling author. His books are available in 26 languages and include Hardwiring Happiness, Buddha’s Brain, Just One Thing, and Mother Nurture.
Key Take Outs
“Allow the rope of life to move through your hands.”
- Avoid the resistance of life. Find ways to harness and connect with the daily experience without just getting caught on those which are unpleasurable or bad.
- Rick’s definition of happiness. A matter of well-being based on two perspectives – Hedonic and Eudaimonic.
- Why we do what we do. What drives and motivates us. Fundamental human needs and tendencies and why they exist.
- Is consciousness the reason for our greater humanistic needs and motivators like growth, service, and love?
- Fundamental daily needs based on our evolution – Safety, Satisfaction, and Connection. Find ways to cultivate and connect with these in our daily experience to cultivate more of them.
- Quick round questions
Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?
Meditation. Try not to be an arse hole. Focus on the beneficial experiences.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Believe in yourself more than you do.
What is the meaning of success?
“He lived until he died.” To keep crawling! To live my life fully.
Favourite Food
Strawberries and chocolate.
Favourite Leisure Activity
Hiking, reading, spending time with family and friends.
Favourite Book
The Suttanipata: An Ancient Collection of the Buddha’s Discourses Together with Its Commentaries (The Teachings of the Buddha)
by Bhikkhu BodhiMaster and Commander
by Patrick O’brienHardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence
by Rick HansonFavourite Quote
Think not lightly of good saying, “it will not come to me.” Drop by drop the water pot is filled. Likewise, the wise one, gathering it little by little fills oneself with good.
Do we all have a why?
Fulfilling our needs at a basic level is our why but find a higher purpose.
What does living with passion and purpose mean?
Passion is a quality of enthusiasm compared to that of excitement. Deep fulfillment. To live and enthusiastic life. Purpose relates to the fact that all life is goal driven it’s a matter of knowing what those goals are. Lacking purpose leaves us with a deep hunger that can be a cause of our suffering.
How to find Rick Hanson
You can find out more about Rick by visiting his website here.
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
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