Step 1: Train Your Attention Ronelle Langley, Ph.D.

4-Step Plan for Resilient Living Train Your Attention Cultivate Emotional Balance Start a Body-Mind Practice Pick Healthy Habits

Re-awakens the child within you who finds joy in the mundane Two steps in Transformation: Retraining Our Brain & Re-engaging Our Heart Step 1: Re-awakens the child within you who finds joy in the mundane Step 2: Creating interpretations based on principle-based skills of: Gratitude, Compassion, Acceptance, Meaning, Forgiveness.

Train Your Attention Attention training wakes up the child in you who found the world novel and fascinating, and a place to have fun. - Amit Sood

Joyful Attention #1: Wake up with gratitude Gratitude meditation

Joyful Attention #2: Taste of nature once a day

Joyful Attention #3: Heartfully meet loved ones

Joyful Attention …or friends

Kind Attention Neutral eyes Judgmental eyes Kind eyes

Kind Attention

Joyful & Kind Attention Train it Sustain it Find empty times As part of daily life (e.g., elevator) Waiting (e.g., grocery line) Improve overall wellbeing Involve others (accountable buddies) Joyful and kind attention can change brain structure

What We Learn from Neurosciences Contemplative practices are important ways for training attention Similar structural changes in brain for Eastern and Western meditation practitioners Benefits More relaxed state of mind Reduces anxiety Increases resilience Lowers stress Improves attention and memory

Resources Research, Articles and Videos The Neuroscience of Happiness Brain scan of French monk Brain scans show meditation changes minds, increases attention Mayo Clinic - Mind and Body Connection Attention and Interpretation Therapy The Four Keys to Well-Being