Learn how to respond to challenges from the “green zone” of the brain rather than reacting instinctively from the “red zone.” Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore the biology behind these two systems, the role of mindfulness in moving from one to the other, and how to combat the brain’s evolved negativity bias.

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The material in this podcast comes in large part from our book Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. If you like the podcast, you'll love the book!

Timestamps:

0:45: The difference between “responding” and “reacting”

3:05: Responding vs. reacting in practice

6:45: The biology behind responding and reacting

9:10: The negative cycle of reacting

10:20: If reacting is stressful, why do we have that system?

12:40: Mindfulness and our reactions

13:25: What makes people respond rather than react?

16:20: The “quantity” vs. “quality” effect of green and red zone experiences

20:40: The cumulative effect of negative experiences

21:45: How to limit the impact of negative experiences

23:05: The positive spiral of taking in good experiences

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Ep. 9: Respond, Don't React 27:51 Share

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

What's the difference between responding and reacting?

How do you respond versus react in practice?

What's the biology behind responding and reacting?

Why does the negative cycle of reacting occur?

Why do we have a system that causes stress through reacting?

How does mindfulness affect our reactions?

What factors influence people to respond rather than react?

What is the 'quantity' versus 'quality' effect of green and red zone experiences?

What is the cumulative effect of negative experiences?

How can you limit the impact of negative experiences?

What is the positive spiral of taking in good experiences?

Shownotes Transcript

Ep. 9: Respond, Don't React