Personal Growth
Founder and Psychologist
by Dr. Elisha Goldstein
“We can be both undefended and very strong. It’s not about leading with menace or armor, but about showing up authentically with a sense of dignity and clarity about who we are.” – Rick Hanson
We discuss:
00:00 – The Allure of Sameness and Emotional Health
03:04 – Understanding Emotional Health and Longevity
06:01 – Obstacles to Emotional Health
08:51 – The Challenge of Change
11:54 – Vulnerability and Emotional Awareness
14:55 – The Role of Connection in Emotional Health
17:58 – Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships
21:10 – Physiological Impact of Emotional Health
23:59 – The Interplay of Happiness and Longevity
26:53 – Caring and Sharing in Relationships
41:38 – Navigating Relationships with Authenticity
44:03 – The Importance of Self-Respect and Compassion
48:01 – Practical Steps to Emotional Health
51:27 – The Power of Self-Inquiry
57:42 – Building Consistency in Self-Acceptance
01:03:08 – The Future of Emotional Health
01:11:06 – Closing Reflections on Relationships and Growth
Emotional resilience is not just about bouncing back after tough times – it’s about building a foundation of emotional health that supports you through life’s inevitable ups and downs. In this engaging episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein speaks with renowned psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson and his son Forrest Hanson, co-host of the Being Well Podcast. Together, they unpack the real secret to emotional resilience, emphasizing the importance of emotional health for long-term well-being.
The Secret to Emotional Resilience: It’s Hard, But Worth It
Our conversation dives deep into the complexities of emotional health. Dr. Rick Hanson breaks down the concept of emotional well-being, explaining that it’s not just about momentary happiness, but rather about developing a lasting sense of peace and fulfillment. According to Rick, emotional health includes an abundance of positive emotions such as gratitude, love, and happiness, balanced by the normal passing of negative emotions like sorrow, fear, and anger.
One key point that Dr. Hanson raises is the challenge of change. As humans, we tend to resist change, often opting for the comfort of familiarity – even when that familiarity is emotionally unhealthy. This resistance to change, especially in emotional patterns, is one of the biggest obstacles to building emotional resilience. Yet, embracing this change – learning to navigate difficult emotions and shift unhealthy patterns becomes a crucial skill in strengthening emotional resilience.
The Power of Vulnerability in Building Resilience
Forrest Hanson shares his perspective on vulnerability, which he considers essential for emotional health. He explains that vulnerability isn’t about weakness; rather, it’s the courage to express our authentic selves, even when it’s uncomfortable. Vulnerability allows us to connect deeply with others, and it’s through these connections that emotional resilience is nurtured.
For many people, vulnerability is a tough road. The fear of rejection or feeling exposed can make us avoid open emotional exchanges. However, Forrest emphasizes that vulnerability is vital in fostering intimacy and maintaining healthy relationships. He encourages us to lean into vulnerability and embrace the discomfort, as it opens the door to deeper connection and emotional growth.
From Emotional Health to Longevity
So, how does emotional health impact longevity? Rick Hanson and Forrest discuss the profound connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Positive emotions, such as love and connection, not only improve our daily experiences but have lasting effects on our physical health as well. Research from scientists like Barbara Fredrickson shows that emotions like kindness and love can actually preserve telomeres, the protective caps on our chromosomes, which are linked to aging and disease prevention.
Both Rick and Forrest agree that emotional resilience—being able to navigate life’s challenges with emotional strength—plays a direct role in our overall longevity. It’s not just about adding years to our life; it’s about enhancing the quality of those years, making our emotional health a cornerstone of long-term well-being.
Starting the Journey: Building Emotional Health
So where do you begin if you’re looking to build emotional resilience? Forrest suggests starting with self-inquiry—an honest look at your emotions and patterns. What are the tendencies you notice in different situations? How do you react to stress, discomfort, or vulnerability? Understanding these patterns is the first step toward change.
Rick emphasizes the importance of appreciating where you are and what you’ve already accomplished on your emotional journey. He encourages practicing self-compassion, acknowledging the work you’ve done, and using that as fuel to move forward. From there, it’s about embracing new ways of interacting with yourself and others, setting intentions for growth, and taking actionable steps to build emotional resilience.
Vulnerability, Courage, and the Road Ahead
As we close, both Rick and Forrest highlight the role of courage in this journey. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, but approaching emotional growth with courage—knowing that vulnerability, honesty, and self-compassion are the keys—can lead to profound transformation. The road may be tough, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
This conversation is a reminder that emotional resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a foundational aspect of a life well-lived. As we continue on our journeys, nurturing emotional health and resilience can be the key to enjoying a long, healthy, and meaningful life.
If you enjoyed this and found it useful, I’d love for you consider one other person that this could be supportive to and send it onto them. They can listen to this episode of Emotional Longevity podcast or read this blog.
If you enjoyed this content and are ready to take your emotional health to the next level, I invite you to explore my Emotional Health Coaching Program, Uncover the Power Within. The program offers practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and a caring community to support you on your journey to emotional resilience.
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