Contemplative neuroscientist Willoughby Britton tells us that happiness is not about getting what you want or getting rid of what you don't. She discusses our mental qualities as habits we practice and sheds light on an important link between neuroscience and contemplative studies.

Professor Willoughby Britton received a B.A. in neuroscience from Colgate University and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona. She is interested in the role of variations in conscious states at the intersection of affective neuroscience, clinical science and religion.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.