Respecting and Relieving Suffering – with Dr. Rick Hanson

So many of us are quick to dismiss our own pain—or the pain of others. We might tell ourselves to “move on” or wonder why someone else is still upset.

But the truth is, suffering deserves respect. When we minimize pain, it often makes it worse—and avoidant patterns can keep us stuck.

That’s why it’s important to face what hurts with compassion and strength – so we can release what no longer serves, and receive the inner resources that help us heal. These include resilience, self-compassion, and the courage to stay present with what’s difficult—without falling into shame, judgment, or superiority.

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

Talk: Respecting Suffering – Theirs as Well as Yours – and Deliberately Cultivating the Inner Strengths That Relieve It

00:00 – Why minimizing pain leads to more suffering

07:58 – How avoidant attachment and emotional stoicism can block healing

10:01 – Finding the balance between boundaries and compassion

24:00 – Practical ways to build inner strength through positive neuroplasticity for relieving suffering

34:35 – The difference between letting go and dismissing

A Meditation on Feeling Alive, Safe, and Warmhearted