In this 2023 interview with Justine Willis Toms, psychologist Rick Hanson explores relationship. According to Hanson, most of our joys and sorrows come from our connections with other people. So why does so much of our communication with others result in so much conflict and misunderstandings? How might we do better in giving others the love that we have in our hearts? Hanson says one of the foundations of being able to act skillfully with others is by deep breathing, giving us time to interrupt the emotional hijacking of the reactive brain. Hanson also introduces the Global Compassion Coalition in which people can come together to create a world in which people and nature are cared for and thrive.

Rick Hanson is the author of:

• Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom (New Harbinger 2009)
• Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time (New Harbinger 2011)
• Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence (Harmony Books 2013)
• Meditations to Change Your Brain - CD Set (Sounds True 2009)
• Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength and Happiness (Harmony Books 2018)
• NeuroDharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness (Harmony Books 2020)
• Making Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflicts, Building Connections, and Fostering Love (Harmony Books 2023)

Interview Date: 4/10/2023 Tags: Rick Hanson, compassion, deep breathing, resilience, positive neuroplasticity, inner-homelessness, chronic stress, inner refuge, speak wisely, nonviolence, Relationships, Psychology, Philosophy, Social Change/Politics