Can You Train Your Brain For Wellbeing? with Dr. Richard Davidson

Dr. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and the Director of The Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, both at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a renowned neuroscientist and one of the world’s leading experts on the impact of contemplative practices, such as meditation on the brain. He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on the study of emotions in the brain. This conversation with Dr. Richard Davidson was recorded live at the 2014 World Congress on Positive Psychology.  This recording has never been played before on our podcast.   In this conversation, you will hear Richard share what neuroscientists are discovering about ways to train our brains to improve wellbeing through small daily practices. Connect with Richard Davidson: Websites: http://richardjdavidson.com http://investigatinghealthyminds.org You’ll Learn: [01:38] -  Richard shares what the latest neuroscience research shows in the area of ways to improve wellbeing. [03:10] - Richard explains that wellbeing can be improved with practice. He talks about practices when it comes to improving wellbeing. [05:30] - Richard recommends that people start implementing these practices gradually. [6:26] - Richard encourages you to go to InvestigatingHealthyMinds.org and download the Compassion Meditation Practice. [07:02] - Mindfulness-based stress reduction is another excellent place to start, according to Richard. [07:41] - Richard explains how gratitude practices can help train our brains. [09:30] - Richard says that turning behaviors into habits is an effective way to embed these practices, neurologically. [11:37] - Richard describes some of the newer research now underway to understand how we can train our brains for wellbeing. Your Resources: The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live--and How You Can Change Them - Richard Davidson and Sharon Begley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.   Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free! You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing. Until next time, take care!