8 - Awakening to Negative Bias

Barbara Newell and Matthew Aldrich discuss the very common human tendency to have a negativity bias in our view of what's happening around us and inside of us.  In a pandemic or other times of strong challenge, it's particularly useful to be aware of how negativity bias may be skewing our perceptions - which in turn can fuel unhelpful reactions. Barbara and Matthew touch on the evolutionary basis for this bias and ways to access a fuller, more accurate picture of the outer and inner realities, so we can respond skillfully rather than react unconsciously.

Visit barbaranewell.com or thewaytowellbeing.com for more resources.  Barbara offers free initial consultations which can be booked here.

The Way to Well-Being is a collaboration between Barbara Newell, mindfulness + meditation teacher and a former Zen Buddhist nun with Thich Nhat Hanh, and Matthew Aldrich, mindfulness student.

As a newcomer to mindfulness, Matthew saw his meditation practice developing quickly and easily with Barbara's instruction. He found applied mindfulness practices to be extremely helpful for relating skillfully with emotional reactivity.  While there are numerous books about mindfulness, the information can sometimes be conflicting, too conceptual, or just inadequate with regard to the actual implementation in a busy modern life.

It became apparent that straightforward, practical guidance could help other people find their way to long-term, sustained well-being through mindfulness.