Hacking your brain for happiness | James Doty | TEDxSacramento

Dr. James Doty explains the neurological benefits of Compassion. "Project Compassion" has now turned into a leading research and educational institution and the only institution solely focused on the study of Compassion, Altruism and Empathy.

Compassion improves the world; yet the world around us seems ever in need of greater feats of compassion. How, then, can we create more compassion and inspire compassionate acts? And how is it that the brain and the heart work together to create compassion in the first place? James Robert Doty, M.D., tackles these tough questions, examining the neural, mental, and social bases of compassion. He serves as Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and Founder and Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) – of which the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor. He serves as Chairman of the Dalai Lama Foundation and as a member of the International Advisory Board of the Council of the Parliament of the World's Religion. He has just release his first book, Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart.

[staceejordan]

I would listen to this man all day, if I had the opportunity! You see, this man saved my life in December '93 by removing a blood clot from my brain (that would have been an aneurysm w/in 24-48hrs, had it not been removed). I have never been as scared as I was then to learn I needed to have surgery, let alone brain surgery. Dr. Doty was the most compassionate, calming & understanding of all the other Dr's I had to see prior to the surgery combined.

[kenseihasegawa]

The key to happiness is self love and nothing external, you are good enough, change how you think and you will change how you feel.

[bigmanxlhr]

He is truly an amazing man. I was on my death bed. Broken back. Crushing my spinal cord.

He fixed my back. And I'm not the average person I'm huge. 6'7 and like 480 pounds. But wear a size 18 shoe.

I was a extremely hard case.

Dr James Doty is true professional. He was the best doctor I had. The best bed side manner. Told me like it was.

His book is great in depth look into life of a surgeon.

If it wasn't for this man I wouldn't be talking walking or alive today.

Thank you doc. I owe you big time

[gearhead]

I hope this comment helps someone out there. What this man says about the sympathetic nervous system suppressing/dysregulation the immune system is so true. I was always one of those people that thought meditation was a joke. I didn't believe the mind could effect you physically. I had a rough upbringing so I grew up very VERY angry, hostile, and full of resentment. When I was 19 I came down with a horrible illness called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. It normally takes you out in about 12 years but mine was particularly aggressive. These patients usually last a few years. Somehow I was able to start controlling my emotions and thoughts. I became a very compassionate and caring person. Four days from now is my 12 year mark. I'm still working full time, raising 3 children, and my illness has become much better controlled. There is no treatment for PSC and people don't get better from it but I have greatly extended my life simply by being compassionate and letting go of resentments. I just know many other immune illnesses can be managed like this I really hope this helps someone.

[shinobishabby]

His book, Into the magic shop, has changed the way i look at the world, my habits, the way i look at self-help books his open up a new desire to learn more.

[barcaliv]

These comments are quite fascinating... I see people complaining that the speaker takes 16 minutes to spread a message that could have been said in one. I assume this must be the result of nowadays dynamic environment causing shorter attention spans.
In order to understand something it is not enough to just read the message. do you really think watching 15 one minute videos after another would teach you anything? A learning process goes so much deeper than that. Making an introduction, giving examples which one can relate to, telling a joke are all methods to improve the embedding of the message in you brain. it is crucial!

[sarvgrover]

Life of meaning, purpose, connection and happiness is important.

[JustinReinhart]

TL;DR; Sit for 15 minutes and focus on your breathing and visualize being compassionate towards others. Genuinely considered more effective than medicine. With the time I just saved you, you can actually do this right now!

[aikoyonamine]

I am surprised this video has not reached a million views. I am so grateful for medicine. The power of science, metaphysics, and the human ability to transcend.

[SuckIt-dguh]

I am fullfilling my lifes purpose with compassion and celebration
Thankyou God for how great and perfect everything is

[kimsnyder]

I already did it... I found my happiness and it was totally inside me my whole life. It wasn't drugs. It is amazing how even the most ordinary experiences have become extraordinary. And I feel it taking me forward in my life. The feedback I am getting from other people is that I am inspiration to them. Our brains are our worst enemy and our greatest tool.

[sfyoko]

I'm about to finish his very inspired auto-biography, the magic shop. His beliefs are not just based on his medical expertise, but on his childhood experience learning about meditation, mindfulness and opening the heart.

[tulips]

I'm truly speechless right now. Whoever you are, you are an angel sent from about. I couldn't thank you enough.

[helennagl]

Dr James, you are awesome. You sow seeds of Love & Acceptance. Helen for
Johannesburg in South Africa.

[christineconroy]

Thank you. Wonderful simple talk to help anyone and everyone. It’s a gift to the world.
Those who post negative comments might do well to practice compassion.

[dualityfirm]

I agree with his remarks on the healthcare system. It is refreshing hearing someone else talk about the vagus nerve. Especially in this country, not to mention, this state. -Maysin Pure

[c_farther]

So grateful I was raised Eastern Orthodox. What people learn as adults, we practiced as children.

[jamiandmarlalove]

The heart!! Such a powerhouse in working with the brain!! The word courage is French, from the heart!!

[Eriseld]

One of the best and most inspiring books I have read... Thank you Dr. Doty

[gracekellyalves]

Só uma coisinha, o ser humano tem 6049 anos base de cálculo contando de Adão até nossos dias.A terra sim tem milhares de anos Esse médico é incrível