talk and meditation with Dr. Rick Hanson

So often, we feel torn between striving for change and surrendering to what is. In meditation—and in life—we can get stuck trying too hard, or give up entirely.

In this talk, I explore how to find a wise balance between deliberate intention and choiceless awareness, and how to grow lasting inner strengths like compassion, kindness, joy, and equanimity. These are qualities we can practice—not just admire.

Click here to join the free Wednesday Meditations – which are open to everyone!

Talk: Compassion, Kindness, Joy, and Equanimity

Key points:
00:00 – The Balance of Choicelessness and Intention
06:27 – Letting In vs. Letting Go
11:48 – Four Radiant Qualities of the Heart
13:56 – Compassion Isn’t Collapsing
19:46 – Joy Without Comparison
27:35 – What Equanimity Really Means
36:30 – Which One Speaks to You Today?

A Meditation: Deep Calm