Greater Good

Dependence is nothing to be ashamed of, says Rick Hanson—and accepting our natural interdependence can make us stronger.

These two books give us insights into how brain science can help us understand our nature, improve our lives, and help us empathize with those who may have memory lapses.

A new study finds that training in compassion makes us more altruistic—and explores the neuroscience behind why.

A new documentary reveals the power of mindfulness and neuroplasticity. Bay Area residents can catch a screening tonight at Stanford University.

It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, says Robert Emmons. But when disaster strikes, gratitude is worth the effort.

Most of the time, gratitude is good. But research finds that there are situations when "thank you" may be the wrong response.

We all face adversity in life. A new book shows how to handle trouble and obstacles in a more positive and resilient way.

A new book explains how to help kids mature and improve their executive functioning… without relying on punishments.

A new study shows how seeking happiness at the right time may be more important than seeking happiness all the time.

Jeremy Adam Smith offers five more tips to help men find a happy fit between paid work and family responsibilities.

A new study finds that helping others gives you a health boost.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

Life is full of tradeoffs between benefits and costs, says Rick Hanson—but the brain isn't always good at telling one from the other.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

As demands on health care providers increase, compassion becomes more difficult to sustain. But a new training holds the promise of helping them meet those challenges.

Mindfulness is more than just moment-to-moment awareness, says Shauna Shapiro. It is a kind, curious awareness that helps us relate to ourselves and others with compassion.

New research shows that adolescents who volunteer decrease their risk for heart disease.

Why does getting dumped hurt physically? Meghan Laslocky explains where that feeling comes from, and what it's good for.

Here are the places where romantic love abides in our bodies—and the role each one plays in sustaining love over time.

In her new book, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson argues that we need a new definition of love, one that realistically accounts for the ways we experience the emotion in our bodies and minds.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, says Robert Emmons. But when disaster strikes, gratitude is worth the effort.

Here's a way to be thankful all year long.

Most of the time, gratitude is good. But research finds that there are situations when "thank you" may be the wrong response.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

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

A new study finds that training in compassion makes us more altruistic—and explores the neuroscience behind why.

How to teach kids loving-kindness meditation

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

We get plenty of advice for coping with life’s negative events. But can we deliberately enhance the impact of good things on our lives?

Self-forgiveness is critical to well-being—but it has a dark side. Here are four steps to healthy self-forgiveness, based on recent research.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

A new documentary reveals the power of mindfulness and neuroplasticity. Bay Area residents can catch a screening tonight at Stanford University.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

We all face adversity in life. A new book shows how to handle trouble and obstacles in a more positive and resilient way.

Robert M. Sapolsky explains why stress can become a chronic problem—and how we can reduce the toll it takes on our lives.

Why does getting dumped hurt physically? Meghan Laslocky explains where that feeling comes from, and what it's good for.

A new study offers the strongest evidence to date that meditation can change the structure of your brain.

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

A new study offers the strongest evidence to date that meditation can change the structure of your brain.

Why a life of leisure may not bring us happiness.

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

Jeremy Adam Smith offers three science-based sex tips for the emotionally intelligent gentleman.

Obesity has become a public health issue. New research suggests moment-to-moment awareness does a better job of helping people control their weight than any diet.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

Here are the places where romantic love abides in our bodies—and the role each one plays in sustaining love over time.

Rick Hanson offers tips for soothing our anxious impulses.

Frazzled? Rick Hanson offers tips for calming down.

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

James Baraz explains how you can really enjoy the holidays.

A recent gathering of compassion researchers reveals new discoveries about how and why humans help each other.

A researcher finds that helping others might be the secret weapon in the fight against addiction.

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

A new book reveals how understanding the way your brain works can help you control anger and aggression.

Study suggests appealing to altruism increases hand washing in hospitals.

Results from the Greater Good mindfulness quiz.

Researcher Kristin Neff reveals the benefits of going easy on yourself: less anxiety, less conflict, and more peace of mind.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

A new study offers the strongest evidence to date that meditation can change the structure of your brain.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

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

We get plenty of advice for coping with life’s negative events. But can we deliberately enhance the impact of good things on our lives?

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

Here's a way to be thankful all year long.

A review of Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness and The Mindful Child

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie offer added incentives to get into the holiday spirit.

A recent gathering of compassion researchers reveals new discoveries about how and why humans help each other.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

Obesity has become a public health issue. New research suggests moment-to-moment awareness does a better job of helping people control their weight than any diet.

Here are the places where romantic love abides in our bodies—and the role each one plays in sustaining love over time.

Jack Kornfield shares extraordinary stories of forgiveness--and explains how the next story could be yours.

It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, says Robert Emmons. But when disaster strikes, gratitude is worth the effort.

Can visualizing death make you happier? Research says yes. Here are four surprising ways to harness the power of negativity.