Negative experiences Quote by Rick Hanson
““Your brain is like Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Happiness Lab, 2020
The mind clings to negativity while easily dismissing positivity, creating a bias toward negative experiences.
In simple terms: The brain holds onto bad memories more than good ones.
Key Takeaway
Practice gratitude to counteract negative bias.
Themes
psychology
neuroscience
positivity
bias
mental health
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
self‑help
psychology
When to use this quote
- daily journaling
- mindfulness meditation
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
neural plasticity
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies help you retain positive moments?
- How can you rewire your brain to value positivity?
A Different Perspective
Positive experiences are often fleeting and can be ignored.
![“[I]f you can be with the pleasant without chasing after it, with the unpleasant without resisting it, and with the neutral without ignoring it - [...] that is an incredible [...] freedom.” quote by Rick Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/519/rick-hanson-10793_freedom_i-f-you-can-be-with-the-pleasant-without_67835.jpg)
![“Letting go of ill will does not mean passivity, silence, or allowing yourself or others to be harmed. [...] There is plenty of room for speaking truth to power and effective action without succumbing to ill will. [...] In fact, with a clear mind and peaceful heart, your actions are likely to be…” quote by Rick Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/701/rick-hanson-10793_neuroscience_letting-go-of-ill-will-does-not-mean-pas_496486.jpg)
