Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness

Informative, uplifting, inspiring. I feel like it’s an essential read for all of us. Brain, meet heart. Now be friends;)

Five stars for sure! I own all of Dr Hanson’s books and I can honestly say this is the best one yet. I’m happy that he has narrated the audio book. His voice is warm and wise, just like his writing. I have ordered the book to complement the audio as there is so much valuable material here I want to be able to reference specific sections. The synthesis of well referenced psychological research, grounded in science, and practices and philosophical frameworks from the worlds wisdom traditions, particularly Buddhism, all shared in an accessible, practical, easy going way is a special combination. Makes it feel both cutting edge contemporary and ancient perennial at the same time. I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in our potential to learn and grow as human beings. I’m finding the guided practices interspersed throughout to be healing and insightful.. I’m looking forward to going deeper into this work as it really is a treasure trove and an important contribution to the field in my opinion. Thanks

I read this book because I wanted to know the latest on the correlation between meditation and observations of brain science. Hanson covers seven practices: steadying the mind, warming the heart, resting in fullness, being wholeness, receiving nowness, opening to allness, and finding timelessness. He devotes a chapter to each of the practices and includes one or more examples of guided meditation for each practice.Much of the brain science was beyond my immediate understanding. I felt that information was more academic than I preferred. I appreciated Hanson's stories of his own experiences with the practices as well as other insights. I think the strength of the book is in the guided meditations. I appreciated most the meditation on warming the heart.Hanson emphasizes the learning process of the brain, that it is in stages. Because of it, we must exercise deliberate practice. A steady mind or awareness of the now will not just happen by accident. Hanson suggests starting with one minute of meditation a day. I found that doable and could immediately sense the benefit.This is a good book for readers who want to understand how spiritual practices affect the brain. I do think the sample guided meditations are the best aspect of the book. While not considered a “religious” book, many of the principles are from Buddhism. I do feel the meditation principles and practices can be used in other spiritual disciplines.I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Dr. Rick Hanson is the kind of person you want to learn from through his books, meditation sangha and classes. He understands people and behaviors. By explaining how our brains work and CAN work, he takes us all a long way on the road to improving our ability to handle whatever is going on in life, which is certainly a lot right now. Rick is eminently practical. On the one hand, you can go to a psychotherapist for 10 years and maybe that is something we all need to do. On the other, you can read Neurodharma or Rick's other writings, consistently make the effort to put a few of his suggestions to work . . . . AND improve your "thinking" and ability to handle whatever is going on in your life immediately. I'm definitely a fan . . . Can't say enough good things. Don't look for esoteric, complex hocus pocus: Sometimes simple, what you can actually implement on a regular basis, is the VERY best.

I love this book because it is easy to read and is based on scientific research. It is not a religious book but a guidebook for happier and fulfilling life. The book is filled with tips for everyday mindfulness practices that anyone can follow. I have read many books of Rick Hanson and attended few workshops. His easy style of communication skill is also present in his writing skill.Variety of mindfulness techniques are simplified, easy to understand and it’s effectiveness on brain is presented with extensive research. Neurodharma is Buddhist principle for living an awakened life. Rick Hanson verified this ancient knowledge with neuroscience for its effectiveness.I would recommend this book for anyone who is on the journey of awakening and living a happier life.

I am a person deeply interested in the mind brain connection. Understanding how the physiology of the brain and human patterns of thought and feeling interact is both fascinating and helpful information for me. I'm only half way through and I feel I've learned a lot already. The meditations are lovely and loving. The explanations and description of the various brain functions help make sense out of this very complex system for me. It helps me see how much change is possible. This may not be the right book for someone who just wants to feel better. But if you have any interest in mindfulness, neurology and how they work together, this book is excellent.

This book reaches back. It ties old knowledge to reliable real time use of our current tools. It allows me to evaluate what works and what can be left on the table for another being.

This guy is an excellent researcher and he’s written many books but I find this particular one is fairly repetitive and I think you can get a lot of this information from his website or previous publications. I just think he’s kind of rehashing the same stuff and throwing in a little more recent research. I am a researcher and a scholar and just didn’t find this one grabbed my attention or made me intrigued enough to go further into the volume. It’s very repetitive and I’ve bought his other books and kind of feel this just wasn’t worth it.

Ce livre la est pour le monde qui veut travailler sur eux mêmes, et bcp de conseils dans le livre sont des types de modes de pensées à mettre dans leur meditation. Ce que j'aime c'est que ca explique pourquoi. Ils disent pas seulement, fait cela! Ils disent fais cela, parce que ci et ça. Appuyé par des raisons scientifiques et bouddhistes.

When Buddhism and Psychology meet

A profound book that provides a very positive influence on your wellbeing and happiness. As with all his fantastic books, Rick Hanson writes with a clarity and simplicity to make the complex subject of neuroscience understandable. In my opinion, he is the best in his field, his wisdom and guidance helps so many on their journey through life.Neurodharma contains practical advice based on the latest current thinking, supported by ancient learnings and understanding. An easy read, with many simple ‘take outs’ to apply on a daily basis.Yet again, Rick Hanson has written another must have book.

I really liked the fact that the author combines wisdom and insights from different techniques of meditation with neural correlates and neuroscientific basis for the states. I have read quite a few books on the subject, but this one stands out in its practicality and accessibility. The author somehow manages to make it feel like a meditation guide and a neuroscience guide to brain states at the same time.It will be of use to neuroscientists, those interested in the brain, seasoned meditators and people who are just curious about meditation. Highly recommend to read it.

Such an incredible resource of embracing the art of mindfulness in our everyday life.Worth reading for sure.