I've been a fan of the previous books by Rick Hanson. This book continues that trend and doesn't disappoint.

I will for sure need to read this another time before coming to a proper conclusion. Self-help books are so important especially in the day and age of media. I do wonder, however, if sometimes the research may be an incomplete view of the picture on the ground. I would enjoy more background on the research, what worked and more importantly what didn't. That way I have a full picture of what is being said!

I’ll admit to a fascination with the concept of resilience, so I grabbed up the Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) of the latest book from Rick Hanson, Ph.D. The full title is long and descriptive: Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. But don’t let this scare you away. Hanson takes a complex concept, adds layers, and then deconstructs everything so it’s easy to grasp.

Resilient is broken down into four parts, each with three chapters. There’s something about the symmetry of this that makes reading it (or listening to, as I did) go smoothly. And I think that’s part of Hanson’s plan. For me, each part or chapter was like another stone in a gently-balanced cairn.

In addition, he takes three approaches and combines them. The first is his background as a psychologist. Much of this book contains things I’ve heard from therapists over the years. But Hanson takes this perspective and adds layers, making the ideas seem fresh and unique. The second approach is that of Buddhism. Hanson incorporates this softly, with quotes and stories. If Eastern philosophy’s not your thing, I’m guessing you won’t feel forced to agree.

Thirdly, Hanson adds the layer of neuroplasticity, which is the idea that the brain can remake its well-worn behavior pathways with some assistance. Neuroplasticity is an intense scientific concept, but Hanson gives the reader bite size pieces. That helps make it digestible, as does the fact he uses many examples and jargon-free language to explain the ideas.

My conclusions:
I am deeply appreciative of self-help authors who create “Key Concept” sections throughout their book. These are the places I highlight (yes, I had an ebook copy of this as well). When I come back to this book in a few months, it’ll make finding what I want so much easier.

Two of my favorite “key concepts” included the ideas of disentangled and full pardon forgiveness. This is a perfect example of how Hanson imparts his ideas. Contained in the fourth part, titled Relating, and in the chapter on Generosity, he’s found a perfect spot for the ideas. If they’d been introduced earlier on, I might not have been ready—just as it feels with real-life forgiveness. And Hanson doesn’t force his readers to forgive in full pardon, recognizing it’s just not always possible. Instead, he offers a mid-way point with disentangled forgiveness. Thus, the participant in resilience is able to benefit from the information, while still being on the path of growth.

I recommend this book to seekers, and also to those looking for a way to incorporate techniques to build neuroplasticity into everyday life. It’s well worth your time!

Acknowledgements:
Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and Crown Publishing / Harmony for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

The "book blurb" says this book will help you "develop 12 inner strengths for being resilient no matter what life throws at you." That's a pretty tall order, but I must say I think Rick Hanson delivers.

Hanson presents scientific and practical information in an easy to understand, personable way. According to psychology, there are three basic needs for humans to have a fulfilled life: safety, satisfaction, and connection. Within each of these three arenas, we grow as we move from recognizing (compassion, mindfulness & learning) to resourcing ourselves (grit, gratitude & confidence) to regulating our thoughts, feelings and actions (calm, motivation, intimacy) to relating (courage, aspiration & generosity).

A chapter is devoted to each of the 12 tools (topics in parentheses above), and there are exercises to help you personally relate and apply the tool. The book is written in such a way that you can read the book straight through, or jump from chapter to chapter according to your interest or need.

As I imagine most people would, I found that I was already using some of the tools, but was falling short in others (i.e. how best to handle the situation when people are getting on my last, fraying nerve). Hanson's practical advice makes you feel this is "doable" and helps get you back on track.

Each of the rules is but one part of the larger picture; all of them together give us what we need to be more calm, resourceful, focused and resilient in any situation.

I give this book 4 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Crown Publishing for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

RESILIENT by Rick Hanson, a psychologist, senior fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and New York Times bestselling author, will be published next Tuesday through Random House's Crown Publishing (as an aside, they also recently produced Gretchen Rubin's The Four Tendencies which we are finding to be very popular). The subtitle of RESILIENT is "How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness" and Hanson does a wonderful job of outlining steps to make a difference in your life and outlook. He begins by defining resiliency as the ability to "cope with adversity and push through challenges in the pursuit of opportunities," explaining further that "determination, self-worth and kindness are what makes us resilient." The first chapter is primarily about being compassionate and kind to yourself, offering readings, exercises and a summary of key points. Subsequent chapters have a similar format and each focuses on one of four ways that we can develop to meet three basic needs, for a total of twelve primary inner strengths. For example, these topics include Mindfulness, Gratitude, Confidence and Courage. As Hanson says, "you could explore a new chapter each month for a year of personal growth." I agree and definitely recommend this book, as do numerous psychologists and researchers who study the brain and human emotions. Hanson has written extensively on the subject and his web site suggests many simple practices to help reduce stress and improve well-being.

http://www.rickhanson.net/writings/just-one-thing/just-one-thing-simple-practices/

Out March 27th- THIS is the book we need! The current discussion surrounding trauma and adverse childhood experiences focuses on teachers recognizing trauma and responding appropriately to create a safe space for children. Teachers discussing trauma sometimes morph the correlation between trauma and negative behavioral/health outcomes into statements of causation. For a number of reasons, I find this exasperating! In addition, the approaches discussed always seemed too reactive instead of proactive. Simply recognizing trauma is not enough; our kids deserve more!

We know countless kids today have high ACE scores. How can we create resilient children who will grow into successful adults? How can we help them pursue their goals in the face of challenges? How can we help them avoid some of the negative impacts of trauma? What is in our circle of control as teachers?

Dr. Hanson outlines 12 areas of focus within the realms of safety, satisfaction, and connection. Each of these realms moves from recognizing, resourcing, regulating, and (the highest level) relating. Each of these areas is a chapter and provides a more action oriented look at building resilience in ourselves and/or the children we work with.

1. Compassion
2. Mindfulness
3. Learning
4. Grit
5. Gratitude
6. Confidence
7. Calm
8. Motivation
9. Intimacy
10. Courage
11. Aspiration
12. Generosity

"True resilience fosters well-being, an underlying sense of happiness, love, and peace."

Thank you Harmony for allowing me to read this book prior to publication.

I enjoy self- help books and often find nuggets in many books that can help make small improvements that can lead to greater enjoyment of life. This remarkable volume contains much more than some good nuggets to carry on your journey ( although there are many of those, too). This book casts a wide net and is one of the self-help genre that I have read in many years.

Hanson bases this volume on neuroplasticity and how to use this to make positive changes in many areas of life. Motivation l, communication, forgiveness, anger and many more topics are discussed and the author applies practical ideas and instructions for how to change the way we conceptualize, process and react.

With clear and accessible writing, this is self-help book that I highly recommend.