Hidden Brain Podcast – You 2.0: Make the Good Times Last

Intro

In this episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, titled “You 2.0: Make the Good Times Last,” host Shankar Vedantam explores the concept of savoring and how it can help us find and appreciate joy in our lives. He shares stories of individuals who have experienced setbacks and challenges, but have still managed to find and savor moments of happiness. The episode delves into the strategies and mental skills we can learn to notice and save joyful experiences, even in the face of adversity.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Savoring

• Many of us focus on what is wrong in our lives, rather than the good things.
• Sorrows have a way of finding us, while joy requires effort to find and savor.
• Savoring is a process that can begin before and after a joyful experience.
• Fred Bryant’s mother was an expert at looking on the bright side and savoring joyful experiences.
• Mental skills can be learned to notice and save joyful experiences.

Overcoming Setbacks

• Accidents can happen at any moment, changing our lives in an instant.
• Back injuries can have a significant impact on our daily lives and require surgery.
• Recovery from surgery can take time and effort, but it is possible to regain strength and mobility.
• Pursuing passions and hobbies can provide motivation and a sense of purpose during difficult times.
• Returning to a beloved activity after a setback can feel like a second chance or reprieve.

The Art of Savoring

• Documenting and sharing the experience with loved ones can enhance the joy of the moment.
• Careful attention and mindfulness may be necessary to prevent re-injury or setbacks during physical activities.
• Being present in the moment and appreciating the blessings in life can enhance the joy of experiences.
• Practical strategies for savoring can help us stay focused on what is good in life.
• Exercise effort to savor the good things in life.

The Art of Savoring (continued)

• There are two ways to savor life: unexpected triggers and well-planned strategies.
• Some people are more spontaneous and go with the flow, while others are more proactive and plan ahead.
• Happiness is not something we have to passively wait for, but rather something we can actively cultivate.
• Savoring is a skill that can be learned and practiced, like playing the violin.
• To fully savor an experience, we must actively and deliberately build the memory of it.

Summary

The Power of Savoring

Many of us tend to focus on the negative aspects of our lives, overlooking the good things. However, joy requires effort and attention to be noticed and savored. Savoring is a process that can begin before and after a joyful experience, and it can be learned through mental skills. Fred Bryant’s mother serves as an example of someone who was adept at looking on the bright side and savoring joyful experiences.

Overcoming Setbacks

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, such as accidents and injuries. These setbacks can have a significant impact on our lives, requiring surgery and a long recovery process. However, it is possible to regain strength and mobility with time and effort. Pursuing passions and hobbies can provide motivation and a sense of purpose during difficult times, and returning to beloved activities after setbacks can feel like a second chance or reprieve.

The Art of Savoring

Savoring involves being fully present in the moment and appreciating the blessings in life. Documenting and sharing experiences with loved ones can enhance the joy of the moment, while careful attention and mindfulness can prevent re-injury or setbacks during physical activities. Practical strategies can help us stay focused on what is good in life, and actively cultivating happiness is within our control. Savoring is a skill that can be learned and practiced, and building lasting memories of experiences can enhance our ability to savor them fully.

Conclusion

In a world filled with challenges and setbacks, savoring the good things in life is essential. By actively noticing and saving joyful experiences, we can enhance our overall well-being and find happiness even in difficult times. Savoring requires effort and practice, but the rewards are worth it. So, let’s embrace the power of savoring and make the good times last.