Resilience, outlook, attention, and generosity - these are the four constituents of well being, according to Dr. Richard Davidson. Citing extensive neuroscience research, some of it so new it has yet to be published, Dr. Davidson describes in detail several aspects of human neural-circuitry that have been identified as crucial to well being. The good news? They are all “plastic,” a term used by neuroscientists to describe something that is changeable, malleable, and adaptable. Davidson also mentions a few interesting facts about these circuits. For example, 47% of the average adult’s time is spent not paying attention to what they’re doing in the moment. He asks the listener to ponder what the world might be like if we were to reduce that number as a collective. Here’s another one – when individuals engage in altruistic behavior, they activate circuits in the brain that are key to fostering well being. It’s an interesting concept to consider: perhaps when we serve others, we also serve ourselves in a way that cannot be accomplished otherwise.