logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
16m 12s

How To Find Calm Through Walking

PRX AND GREATER GOOD SCIENCE CENTER
About this episode

Mindful walking isn’t just a stroll—it’s a science-backed way to reduce, improve concentration, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings at the same time.

***
The Science of Happiness is committed to sharing stories and research that inspire resilience, compassion, and connection. As we reflect on the past few years, these values feel more essential than ever. Help us continue to provide this free resource and expand its reach.

Through December 31, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Visit
GGSC.Berkeley.edu/donate to support the show and make an even bigger impact.
***

Episode Summary: We explore walking meditation, a powerful practice for feeling more centered and grounded. Dan Harris, host of the award-winning 10% Happier podcast, shares how walking meditation helps him manage the residual stress and anxiety from years of war reporting and high-pressure TV anchoring. Then, Dr. Paul Kelly from the University of Edinburgh dives into the science, explaining how walking meditation can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve overall well-being.

Practice:

  1. Acknowledge the presence of your body
  2. Acknowledge the thoughts and attitudes your mind is naturally thinking about.
  3. Acknowledge the nature around you. 
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 in intervals. 

Link to transcript to come.

Walking Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/29dnmndp

Today’s guests:

DAN HARRIS is a NYT best selling author with his book 10% Happier, and hosts a podcast by the same name.

DR. PAUL KELLY is a professor from the University of Edinburgh studying mindfulness. 

More episodes like this one:

The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/yh238ekp
How To Unwind Doing Mindful Yard Work: https://tinyurl.com/4p7drusk

More Happiness Break like this one:

Walk Your Way to Calm, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mp5cptan
Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh
Find Calm When You Can’t Clear Your Mind, With Lama Rod Owens: https://tinyurl.com/4ce353nu

Tell us about your experiences and struggles with achieving mindfulness. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mrx26dsc

Up next
Yesterday
The Case for Hope, With Rebecca Solnit
We explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety and despair to hope and action, with author and activist Rebecca Solnit.Summary: When you think about climate change, do you feel hope? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we examine what it m ... Show More
21m 45s
Oct 2
Happiness Break: Finding Yourself in Silence
Zen and mindfulness teacher Henry Shukman guides us in a meditation that invites us to listen deeply and find clarity in quiet.How To Do This Practice: Find Stillness: Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes if you’d like, and allow your body to settle. Bring Your Atten ... Show More
6m 26s
Sep 25
What to Do When Stress Takes Over
Learn why uncertainty fuels anxiety and how noticing our body’s stress signals can help us find calm.Summary: One in five adults in the U.S. report living with anxiety, and many of us struggle to control or avoid the feelings that come with it. Science shows that tuning into the ... Show More
23m 7s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
Evening Meditation: A Mindful Practice for Letting Go of Daily Stress (Ease Anxiety & Find Peace Through Meditation)
The evening hours often arrive with an unwelcome companion—a mind still buzzing with the day's events, shoulders tight with tension, and thoughts already drifting to tomorrow's challenges. As the sun sets, many of us find ourselves caught in what author Lynne Twist calls "the rev ... Show More
16m 6s
Feb 2025
#1056 Meditation for Releasing Sadness
Designed to help you release sadness and find inner peace. Whether you're experiencing grief, loss, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this meditation is here to gently guide you toward healing and emotional release. Through calming visualization and mindful breathing, you’ll create ... Show More
19m 34s
Feb 2025
Overwhelmed by Noon? Try This Quick Lunch Break Meditation for Stress Relief
Overwhelmed? Stressed? Anxious? Try this quick 10-minute, lunch break meditation that is designed to reset the nervous system and quiet the mind. No chatter; no distractions - this episode is JUST THE MEDITATION. Pop-in your headphones, settle into a comfy spot and let's meditate ... Show More
7m 16s
Feb 2024
N.92 Yoga Nidra: Ultimate Stress Relief & Anxiety Relief | Healing Sleep Series
Dive into the transformative world of Yoga Nidra with Ayla Nova, and experience the profound benefits of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). These sessions offer a sanctuary for anyone seeking to rewire their brain for better sleep, alleviate insomnia, and master stress and anxiety relie ... Show More
42m 1s
Nov 2024
Guided Meditation | Pain Relief and Body Healing
Pain is not typically a desirable sensation, especially when it becomes chronic. The resistance and upset can make the experience worse. Pain is a message from your body and if you ignore that message, it will continue to get louder and stronger. By simply focusing on, observing, ... Show More
16m 28s
Aug 2024
1055: Transform Your Day and Night with Affirmations and Mindful Meditation
In today's episode, Gina shares a series of affirmations and a mindfulness meditation to transform your consciousness into one of peace and calm. Using this lovely series of affirmations and meditation, you will prepare yourself for an easy, peaceful sleep. Take advantage of thes ... Show More
23m 47s
Sep 4
Find Your Sanctuary: 10-Minute Guided Meditation for Mindfulness & Inner Peace
Find Your Sanctuary: 10-Minute Guided Meditation for Mindfulness & Inner PeaceStep into your sanctuary of calm with this 10-minute guided meditation from Calming Anxiety. Host Martin Hewlett leads you to embrace the present moment, fostering mindfulness, stress relief, and inner ... Show More
11m 11s
Apr 2025
Turn Frustration into Joy (Start Your Day with a Smile)
Life is full of challenges, and frustration is a common emotion that can cloud our days. Whether it's the stress of work, personal responsibilities, or the pressures of daily life, frustration can build up and negatively impact our mood. However meditation is a simple and powerfu ... Show More
10m 56s
Oct 3
What to Do When You Feel Stuck in Your Mindfulness Practice
At some point in practice, many of us wonder: Why does it feel like I’m not growing anymore? In this excerpt from our Community Gathering Q&A, a student opens up about reaching a plateau after years of mindfulness and healing work. Sean Fargo offers a compassionate reframing that ... Show More
8m 34s