I have been fortunate to meet and work with many beautiful, wise and warm people in my career. None more so than Psychologist Dr Rick Hanson who invites us to “extend the circle of ‘us’ to include as much of the world as you possibly can.” From a scientific perspective, any two human beings are around 99.9% identical in their DNA. Beneath our differences, our nervous systems are wired to seek safety, connection, and care. In a world full of media that bombards us with images and stories of division, this reminder has never been more necessary.
One of my all time favourite practices, which I teach clients individually and in group workshops, is Taking In The Good, inspired by Rick Hanson’s practice of the same name. Try it….. many times…..daily …… and see for yourself what a difference it can make to your well-being.
Why Positive Experiences Don’t Stick—and How to Change That
The brain has a natural negativity bias: we remember bad experiences more strongly than good ones because, in evolution, avoiding danger mattered more than enjoying rewards. As a result, negative moments linger while positive ones fade, shaping our mood, beliefs, and behavior in unhelpful ways. As Rick says, this means the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences, but Teflon for positive ones.
Yet most daily experiences are positive or neutral. When good moments don’t “sink in,” we become more anxious, irritable, and less patient with others. What a lost opportunity!
The solution is simple: intentionally take in the good. By noticing positive moments, enjoying them for 20–30 seconds, and letting them register deeply, we help the brain form lasting positive deposits. Over time, this rewires the brain toward greater resilience, balance, and well-being.
Small moments matter. Repeated often, they add up—gradually building a more content, confident, and generous inner life. So don’t let those simple positive moments pass by unnoticed – really let the gentle breeze, warmth of the sun, cold water when you’re thirsty, a pause between tasks or a smile from a stranger soak into you like you are a sponge – because from a well-being point of view you actually are!
