Good Intentions with Rick Hanson

When the world feels morally confusing—or you’re hard on yourself for not being perfect—this talk explores how to reconnect with your good intentions, clarify your values, and live from the deeper goodness already moving through you.

00:00 – Do we really have choice? Freedom, responsibility, and why intentions matter even in a universe of causes.

3:25 – Why values are unavoidable—and how wisdom means choosing greater happiness over lesser ones.

6:47 – Clarifying what truly matters this year. Moving beyond “shoulds” to bottom-up values that feel alive and true.

10:01 – Right intention: non-harming, non-ill-will, non-attachment. Including the often-overlooked practice of not harming your future self.

18:40 – How to live your values day by day. Five research-based ways to actually implement intentions (environment, schedule, support, reminders, and taking in the good).

24:29 – Moral reasoning and protecting yourself wisely. Understanding different levels of moral reasoning—and why clear seeing matters.

32:40 – Taking refuge in your own goodness. What happens when you allow yourself to know you’re fundamentally a good person.

You can see the meditation that went along with this talk at https://rickhanson.com/talk-meditation-good-intentions/

If you would like to join the free, online Wednesday Meditations, sign up here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/

If you would like to donate to the weekly Wednesday Talk + Meditations, you can do that here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/dana-offerings/

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