logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
6m 21s

Happiness Break: A Meditation on Cultiva...

PRX AND GREATER GOOD SCIENCE CENTER
About this episode
Experiencing awe can help us slow down and connect to the world around us. So how can we harness the power of this feeling? Host Dacher Keltner leads us in a colorful meditation to bring about awe.  Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3e9cyky5 Practice: Please find a space, either inside or outside, where you can take a moment and pause and look slowly at a scene in front of you.  Settle into a pattern of deep breathing and ease. Really focusing on how that pattern of inhalation and exhalation relaxes your body and slows your heart rate down. Now cast your gaze over the space around you. Take in what you see in the scene in front of you. You may shift your attention to colors present in the things around you or step back and get a sense of the scene in a more holistic way. Notice the variations and differences in the various colors in your visual field.  What feelings do the colors evoke in you?  Now, gently close and then open your eyes and notice how you feel.  Today’s guests: Dacher Keltner is the host of the Greater Good Science Center’s award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. More episodes like this one: How Awe Brings Us Together https://tinyurl.com/bdhy4sj5 How Music Evokes Awe https://tinyurl.com/mpkww4j9 Happiness Break: Awe for Others, With Dacher https://tinyurl.com/3ptwh66j Feeling the Awe of Nature from Anywhere, with Dacher Keltner https://tinyurl.com/4r7rjaxf We love hearing from you! Tell us what brings you feelings of awe. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzus Help us share Happiness Break! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Rate us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzus
Up next
Nov 20
Being Kind Is Good for Your Health
<p>Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness.</p><p>Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness we explore how everyday acts of kindness strengthen our sense of connection and belonging, and why our brains are bu ... Show More
16m 59s
Nov 13
Happiness Break: Finding Peace Through Forgiveness
<p>Explore a gentle practice for releasing resentment and finding freedom through forgiveness.</p><p><strong>How To Do This Practice: </strong></p><ol> <li> <strong>Prepare Your Space and Body: </strong>Find a quiet, safe place to sit and take slow, grounding breaths. Notice any ... Show More
6m 47s
Nov 6
The Science of Letting Go
<p>Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.</p><p>Summary: Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing—it’s about releasing the grip of resentment so we can make room for peace. Research shows i ... Show More
18m 5s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
The New Science of Awe & How It Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Dacher Keltner #340
When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it’s an emotion you notice often, evoked by the trees, clouds, or people around you. Or maybe it’s something you associate with more dramatic, less frequent experiences. Dr Dacher Keltner, has written a sublime book on the subject of ... Show More
1h 55m
Dec 2022
This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? | Dacher Keltner
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p><em>---</em></p> <p><br /></p> <p>Our guest today is one of the most prominent happiness researchers in the world, and he has come to the conc ... Show More
1h 3m
Feb 2024
One Mental State that will Accelerate Your Learning & Healing with Dacher Keltner
<p>How can you cultivate more awe into your daily life?</p> <p>On the spectrum of emotion, awe is probably one of the most elusive and misunderstood. It’s easy to feel awe when you encounter the wonders of nature, a piece of powerful music or art, or have a deeply spiritual exper ... Show More
20m 37s
Jun 2021
Meditation | Science, Soul & Practice
<p>Today’s episode is special, it’s a unique meditation deep dive that brings together the deep, research-driven insights from Daniel Goleman, best known for his work on Emotional Intelligence, as well as his book, Altered Traits. Daniel takes us into the science behind meditatio ... Show More
1h 5m
Aug 2021
Let's get wet; A water visualisation to chill you out
There’s a seriously wonderful feeling when you get yourself into water.  It’s said to have healing powers – if you let it. Did you know you can get the same affect with a meditation?Well you can! And we’re going to show you how. Links The Space Instagram @thespace_podcast and htt ... Show More
5m 5s
Jan 2021
The Fascinating Science of Joy & Surprising Ways Technology Distracts You From Life
Did you know there is a day that is considered to be the most depressing day of the year? Yup. It happened just a few weeks ago. Why ls “Blue Monday” so depressing? Listen as I explain. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/blue-monday-2021-uk-why-today-b1788755.html You may n ... Show More
49m 10s
Aug 2023
The Science of Joy: Why You Need It and How to Get It | Ingrid Fetell Lee
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p><em>---</em></p> <p><br /></p> <p>The hidden influence that your surroundings can have on your happiness. And how to tweak things in subtle bu ... Show More
1h 1m