Search Results for 'Self-compassion'

Our mental attitudes, beliefs, and expectations can have a big influence on whether we thrive and prosper or stagnate and decline. Rick Hanson, an eminent neuropsychologist, describes how the brain has a negativity bias designed to keep us safe rather than happy. He says that this makes our brain like Velcro for bad experience and Teflon for good experience. An example of this negativity can be seen in how we often relate to ourselves with harsh attitudes of self-criticism. But a harsh self-critical inner voice can undermine our self-confidence and self- esteem and lead to feelings of guilt and shame that undermine our mental wellbeing. This often results in higher levels of stress, anxiety, and low mood.

Dr Rick Hanson, an eminent neuropsychologist, in his book entitled Hardwiring the Brain for Happiness, states that mindfulness training that enhances our abilities to stay with our present moment experience, with an open attitude of acceptance, is in itself not enough. He says that the evolved brain has a negativity bias that makes it like Velcro for bad experience. Therefore we need to build onto our mindfulness training inner strengths from positive mental states, such as compassion and gratitude. Experiential training in developing these positive mental states enables us to meet three of our essential needs, for safety, satisfaction, and connection.  

You feel lonely and depressed. When you look inside you find an aching heart and a lack of hope and optimism for the days ahead.