How can we remain calm and grounded when life becomes difficult?

Drawing on neuroscience, mindfulness, and psychology, Rick Hanson explains how resilience can be developed. He explores why the brain tends to hold on to negative experiences and how we can learn to take in positive ones more consciously.

Through simple everyday practices, the book shows how experiences of calm, confidence, and connection can gradually become lasting inner resources. The focus is not only on recovering from adversity, but also on developing greater stability and well-being in everyday life.

What makes us resilient? Why does the brain focus so strongly on negative experiences? How can positive moments leave a more lasting impression? Which inner strengths help us navigate stress and uncertainty? And how can we develop greater calm, confidence, and self-compassion?

• You often feel stressed or overwhelmed

• You want to feel more grounded in difficult situations

• You tend to focus on what is going wrong

• You want to develop greater inner stability

• You would like to respond to yourself with more compassion

• You are interested in neuroscience, mindfulness, and personal growth

Resilience is more than the ability to recover from adversity. It also helps us manage everyday stress, pursue meaningful goals, and stay connected to ourselves and others.

Hanson introduces twelve inner strengths, including compassion, mindfulness, perseverance, gratitude, confidence, calm, intimacy, and courage. Based on the concept of positive neuroplasticity, he explains how repeated positive experiences can gradually shape the brain and become more stable inner resources.

A practical and scientifically grounded introduction to resilience, combining psychological insights with exercises for everyday life.

→ An explanation of the brain’s negativity bias
→ Twelve inner strengths that support resilience
→ Insights into positive neuroplasticity
→ Mindfulness and reflection practices
→ Ways to work with stress and difficult emotions
→ Practices for developing calm, confidence, and self-compassion