How to Hardwire Happiness, with Rick Hanson

Positive states, such as happiness, joy, moments of embodied presence or mindfulness are common, but they’re often short-lasting. Is it possible to transform these fleeting states into lasting traits? Even in moments of hardship or suffering, we can still be rooted in happiness by growing the good that lasts.

In this episode, psychologist, author and mindfulness teacher Dr. Rick Hanson teaches us why hardwiring happiness is indeed possible, and how to do it with positive neuroplasticity training.

Rick Hanson is a Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and a New York Times best-selling author. He previously joined the Mindfulness Exercises podcast to talk about neuro-learning and amplifying our meditation practice.

This talk is a brief excerpt from Dr. Rick Hanson’s guest teacher presentation to those enrolled in the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. This unique, online, self-paced certification program balances pre-recorded webinars with live mentorship. Students in the program learn directly from Sean Fargo, his team, and some of the world’s most respected mindfulness and meditation experts.

Train to share mindfulness with confidence, compassion and skill within a supportive online community. Learn more at mindfulnessexercises.com/certify or, schedule a 15-minute call with Sean to see if this program is right for you at https://calendly.com/sean-108/application

Related Episode:

Neuro-Learning and Amplifying Our Meditation Practice with Dr. Rick Hanso • n

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About the Podcast Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: • Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings • Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers • Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers • Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive. If you’re interested in: • Mindfulness meditation for everyday life • Trauma-sensitive and co...