Taking in the Good:
The Science of Weaving Positive Experience into the Brain and the "Self".
Rick Hanson Workshop 2010
The brain has evolved a "negativity bias" that continually looks for and reacts to negative experiences - and then fast-tracks them in memory for quick retrieval. In effect, the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones. This shapes the interior landscape of the mind, leading to pessimism, depressed and anxious mood, and over-reactions. We will explore the neural machinery of memory and how to "trick" it into weaving positive experiences into the brain and the self, leading to greater resilience, happiness, and interpersonal effectiveness. We will also apply brain science to particular situations including healing trauma, cooperation with medical or psychological treatment, raising or teaching children, and spiritual practice.
This workshop draws on the historically unprecedented meeting of neuroscience and the contemplative traditions to show participants how to:
* Get on their own side, have compassion for themselves, and feel stronger inside
* Activate the soothing, calming parasympathetic nervous system
* Cultivate equanimity by becoming aware of pleasant or unpleasant experiences without reacting to them
* Use neuroplasticity - the mind shaping the brain - to take in positive experiences for greater resilience, confidence, and happiness
* Use the machinery of memory to replace the negative emotional charge on painful experiences with neutral, and even positive ones
* Understand the parallels between neuro-scientific knowledge and Buddhist perspectives on transformation
There will be presentations, discussion, and optional experiential activities. No background with neuroscience is needed.
There will be presentations, discussion, and optional experiential activities. No background with neuroscience is needed.
Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a neuropsychologist, meditation teacher and co-founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom (www.WiseBrain.org). A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA, his latest book is Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom (with Richard Mendius, M.D., Foreword by Dan Siegel, M.D., Preface by Jack Kornfield, PhD.) He edits the Wise Brain Bulletin, writes the weekly Just One Thing newsletter, and his articles have appeared in Tricycle Magazine, Insight Journal, and Inquiring Mind. He has taught at the University of East London, Sonoma State University, and meditation centers in America and Europe.
Since 1974, Rick has practiced meditation in several traditions, sat on the Board of Spirit Rock Meditation Center for nine years and teaches at many Buddhist centers.
Dr. Hanson is a lively and humorous speaker with an unusual ability to translate scientific findings into clear ideas and useful tools for everyday life (see www.RickHanson.net for his interview on BBC 4 radio). He and his wife have a young adult daughter and son.
Date:
6th February, 2010
Time:
9.30 - 5pm
Venue:
Mosman Art Gallery and Community Centre
Cnr Art Gallery Way and Myahgah Rd
Mosman NSW 2088
Cost:
$165 inc GST
Morning/afternoon tea provided.
Registration:
Click here to complete online registration form
Payment:
By EFT via internet banking (Account details below)
Please record your surname in the reference field.
Account details:
Account Name: Openground
Bank: ANZ
BSB: 012-241
Account No: 4990-00818
- By cheque or money order
Please make cheques/money orders payable to "Openground".
Post to:
Openground
3/71 Boronia Rd
Bellevue Hill NSW 2023
