Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist, founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, a member of the Greater Good Science Center’s Advisory Board, and the author of the best-selling book, Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom.

His Greater Good blog features posts from Just One Thing (JOT), his free newsletter offering a simple practice each week to bring you more joy, more fulfilling relationships, and more peace of mind.

Stories by Rick Hanson

Just One Thing: Find Your North Star

May 11, 2012

Where are you headed? Rick Hanson suggests a way to discover what's most important to you.

Just One Thing: Leave the Red Zone

April 4, 2012

Frazzled? Rick Hanson offers tips for calming down.

Just One Thing: Make the Offering

February 22, 2012

The world doesn't always want our gifts. Give anyway, says Rick Hanson.

Just One Thing: Admit Fault and Move On

January 30, 2012

It takes a strong person to admit fault, argues Rick Hanson, but it puts us in a stronger position with others.

Just One Thing: Don’t Throw Darts

December 6, 2011

Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional, explains Rick Hanson.

Just One Thing: Have Compassion For Yourself

November 8, 2011

Responding to another person's suffering is hard; responding to our own suffering can be harder. Rick Hanson explains how to foster self-compassion.

How to Trick Your Brain for Happiness

September 26, 2011

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Just One Thing: Feed the Mouse

August 17, 2011

Rick Hanson explains how to help your brain feel rewarded, satisfied, and fulfilled.

Just One Thing: Pet the Lizard

July 20, 2011

Rick Hanson offers tips for soothing our anxious impulses.

Just One Thing: Speak from the Heart

June 14, 2011

Rick Hanson explains how to communicate directly and honestly with those who matter most to you.

Just One Thing: Tune into Others

May 17, 2011

Empathy is the bedrock of our relationships with others, says Rick Hanson. Here's how to practice it.

Just One Thing: Drop the Case

April 19, 2011

Have you built a "case" against someone who wronged you? Rick Hanson explains how to let it go.

Just One Thing: Embrace Fragility

March 22, 2011

All things fall apart. Rick Hanson explains how realizing that can help us build resilience.

Taking In the Good

November 1, 2009

Psychologist Rick Hanson explains how we can make good feelings last.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
How to Foster Group Creativity
April 11, 2012
In the second of a two-part conversation, Imagine author Jonah Lehrer explains how science can help teams become more creative.
You’re Never Too Old to Build Emotional Intelligence
April 24, 2012
A recent study suggests we can learn to regulate and manage our emotions even after we’re reached adulthood.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
Five Lessons in Human Goodness from “The Hunger Games”
April 18, 2012
The plot of the new film sounds cynical. But it reveals a surprising amount about the science of human goodness.
Lessons in Creativity from Caine’s Arcade
May 1, 2012
The latest viral video sensation is more than a portrait of a cute and creative kid. It's a guide to how we can nurture kids' imagination.

The GGSC is Hiring!
April 1, 2012
We're looking for an education program director.
Being Human 2012: The Science of Human Experience
March 24, 2012
Generation Wii… or Generation We?
May 22, 2012
In this commencement address, Dacher Keltner asks today's graduates to look for the best in themselves and in humanity.