Training Your Brain to "Take In the Good" – A Talk by Dr. Rick Hanson

Why does it seem so easy to remember what went wrong — and so hard to hold onto what went right?

In this insightful video, psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Rick Hanson explains why our brains are wired to cling to the negative. It’s not your fault — it’s biology. Our brains evolved to scan for threats and overreact to keep us safe. But while that may have helped our ancestors survive, it often holds us back from experiencing peace, joy, and confidence in the present.

Dr. Hanson, a Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, offers a powerful, research-backed practice he calls “Taking in the Good.” It’s a deceptively simple way to help your brain register positive experiences so they stick — rather than slip away.

Here are the 3 steps:

1. Notice a positive fact and let it become a positive experience

2. Savor the experience — feel it in your body and emotions; stay with it for 10, 20, even 30 seconds

3. Let it sink in — imagine the experience soaking into you, embedding itself in your emotional memory

I often share this practice with clients who want to build emotional resilience and shift out of chronic stress. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff — it’s about giving equal airtime to the good.

Watch the full video here: 👉

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Michael LoGuidice, LCSW, MSEd, is a therapist and youth advocate with over 25 years of experience helping young people thrive. Drawing from his own journey growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and learning differences, Michael believes that with the right support and structure, all young people can succeed. He specializes in working with youth and families, particularly those navigating ADHD, learning disabilities, and complex emotional challenges. Michael is known for his relational, adventure-based counseling approach, which blends experiential learning, CBT, and positive youth development to inspire connection and real growth. Learn more at https://www.michaelloguidicetherapy.com/