In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest, Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist, teacher, and speaker. He’s also a New York Times best-selling author of five books that explore topics like neuroscience, clinical psychology, and positive neuroplasticity.
I’ve asked Rick back to the show to discuss his new book, “Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness.” We cover Rick’s seven practices for strengthening the neural circuitry of profound contentment and inner peace based on cutting-edge brain science. These qualities offer essential support in everyday life while at the same time support the exploration of the most radical reaches of human consciousness. If it sounds daunting, it’s absolutely not! Rick relies on methods and prefers to be in the trenches.
“These are seven ways of being that are perfected in enlightenment,” Rick says. “And then in effect, reverse engineering those seven ways of being so that we can develop them inside ourselves, literally hardwired into our own brain.”
He gives us hope while also recognizing the challenges of modern life: “Our deepest nature in fact has already awakened,” he says. “And yet it’s really difficult to rest in that true nature for more than a few seconds in a row given the brain’s survival biases and then the ways that modern culture floods us and distracts us.” … “It’s easy to lose sight of the peaks of human potential.”
Rick is a Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide. Considered an expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on the BBC, CBS, NPR, and other major media.
Rick doesn’t use any jargon or pep talks, but instead reaches into neuroscience while also sharing his own journey of practice (he’s been meditating for 46 years!) He teaches and informs through stories, guided meditations, examples and applications. You’ll find this episode pragmatic and practical.
Enjoy the show!
Catch my recorded IG Live with Rick here. And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.
Follow Along with the Transcript
Links/Resources
Website: rickhanson.net
Facebook: facebook.com/rickhansonphd/
Twitter: twitter.com/drrhanson
Instagram: instagram.com/rickhansonphd/
YouTube: youtube.com/user/drrhanson/featured
Book: Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness
Bulletproof Radio: Rick Hanson: Forgetfulness, Mindfulness Techniques & Hardwiring Happiness – #243
Key Notes
- Neurodharma. It’s a made up word, it really means putting together. – 1:49
- The book explores seven practices. – 5:13
- How does one cultivate steadiness. – 10:25
- As the heart warms, it’s easier to steady the mind. – 19:47
- Wholeness – somehow that’s different from fullness. – 21:00
- Just take three breaths, you’ll notice there are a lot of sensations of breathing, 27:06
- Live in that arising freshness of the moment. – 32:05
- Trying to manage the Tibetan diaspora. – 36:19
- The allocentric networks neurologically are located lower in your brain. – 41:29
- Privilege is not having to take something into account. – 51:25
- Safety, satisfaction and connection. – 56:54
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