How to Live in an Anxious World: Uncertainty, Agency, and Resilience

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson Podcast

In this timely episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest tackle the anxiety and uncertainty so many are feeling about the state of today’s world. They discuss why everything feels so overwhelming right now, share practical ways to manage those emotions, and explore how we can stay grounded, take ownership of what we can control, and maintain a sense of connection with others. Topics include managing uncertainty, wise skepticism, developing agency, accepting impermanence, and understanding grief as a deep form of love and connection. Whether you're feeling anxious about global events or just navigating daily life, this episode offers practical advice for building resilience.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

1:55: Why do things feel so terrifying?

11:45: A typical response to the state of the world

17:40: Recognizing how much uncertainty there is

25:35: Feeling grounded in your personal integrity

32:30: Taking ownership of what you are able to contribute

39:00: Our felt sense of connection with others

44:20: Accepting impermanence

49:00: Grief as a form of love and connection

54:15: Recap

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