THE COMPASSIONATE BRAIN -- Audiovisual Resources
These materials have been downloaded from
Dr Rick Hanson's free series on the Compassionate Brain.
The videos are free for download after the broadcasts and Continuing Education credits are available for purchase.
Session 1: How the Mind Changes the Brain video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Richie Davidson, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin and co-editor of The Asymmetrical Brain
- How your thoughts and feelings change your brain’s structure
- Studies on compassion in contemplatives
Session 2: Mindfulness of Oneself and Others video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Daniel Siegel, executive director of the Mindsight Institute and author of Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation
- The link between empathy for yourself and empathy for others
- Compassion in family life
- Compassion in clinical practice
Session 3: Cultivating a Forgiving Heart video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Tara Brach, founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and author of Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha
Practices for strengthening and expressing compassion and kindness
- Dealing with hard issues in relationships
Session 4: Evolution of Compassion video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and author of Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life
- The ways we are sociable primates
- The universals of compassion across cultures
Session 5: Balancing Compassion and Assertiveness video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]
Session Highlights
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Kelly McGonigal, senior teacher and consultant for the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and author of The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
- Compassion for oneself and others in pain
- Bringing willpower to compassion
- Balancing compassion and assertiveness
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Kristin Neff, professor of human development and culture at the University of Texas, Austin and author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind
- How to cultivate self-compassion
- Compassion for those with special needs
Session Highlights:
An in-depth conversation with Dr. Jean Houston, co-founder of The Foundation for Mind Research and author of The Possible Human: A Course in Enhancing Your Physical, Mental, and Creative Abilities
- Opening one’s heart wide without becoming overwhelmed
- Ways to find your own way to contribute
SPECIAL FINAL SESSION IN THE SERIES: -- [LINK]
- Session 8: At Home in the Heart—Practical Takeaways from This Series
Session Highlights:
- Dr. Rick Hanson will shift from his role as host to summarize the key themes of the guests in the series
- Highlighting past participants’ practical methods
- Taking viewers through two powerful practices for bringing both strength and heart into important relationships
video [LINK] MP3 [LINK]