Useful Videos | David Nielsen

Take in the Good. (14 minutes)

Start with this one.
Excellent, enjoyable, and brief first introduction to the science that shows what a person chooses to think about can change their brain and the quality of their life.
A simple and easily understood explanation of some key scientific concepts that support the understandings which enable positive change to be recognized as both possible and realistically achievable.
Concepts include: Your mind can change your brain, how to “take in the good”, the Law of Little Things, thrive v. survive, balancing the negativity bias with positive choice, and “what is good for you is good for everyone”.
Rick Hanson PhD, author, scientist, Thought Leader, kind person, great guy

This one is a very good second. It is a brief and clear summary, with profound insights, on what Mindfulness is; and its primary benefits.
Meditation changes the brain, immune system, and even how genes are expressed in chromosomes. Being truly and intentionally “present” to our own lives is a way of Being that science has shown has major mental, emotional, physical, and relationship values. “All happiness is in the Present”, is a truth taught by many major traditions and enabled by Mindfulness.
Consistent practice can enable virtually anyone to experience meaningful benefits, including people with very difficult circumstances.
Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD, Thought Leader, great teacher, kind person, wise man

A masterful and entertaining explanation of, “Why would you want to grow mindfulness and compassion skills?”
She shows how the science confirms that informed use of intention, attention, and attitude can predictably grow personal well-being and healthy relationships. With oneself and others.
Basically, what we practice becomes stronger. And, we can consciously choose what we practice. Mindfulness stabilizes attention. An unstable mind is like an unstable camera. The picture is fuzzy.
Shauna Shapiro PhD, scientist

An excellent, entertaining, concise, and informative presentation that covers several key scientific finding on how anyone can learn to be happier and more productive.
And, can often use basic methods to do so quicker than they might expect.
Concepts reviewed include: Flow, the Default Network, mindfulness, resisting v. surfing urges, and how being “present” is the key to happiness, productivity, and well being.
Judson Brewer MD, PhD, Professor at Yale

Kristin Neff is the worlds leading researcher on self-compassion.
She clearly identifies why self-compassion is a more effective motivator than a harsh inner critic. And why self-compassion is strongly related to well being and increases positive states we call happiness; as well as reducing negative states like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Her simple language makes it easy to understand the basic physiology of how self-compassion works. She shows that self-compassion is not selfish; but is a means to improves relationships and caring for others.
Kristin Neff PhD, Thought Leader, scientist, kind person

Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share. (Filmed at TEDxHouston.)