The Science of Happiness

• Happiness Break: A Guided Meditation on Embodied Love

  Experience the physical sensations of love through this guided meditation that nurtures connection, relaxation, and emotional awareness.How To Do This Practice:  Sit or lie down in a relaxed posture. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in, then slowly exhale. Notice the weight of your body and release any tension in your shoulders, jaw, or hands. Recall a time when you felt deeply loved and cared for—whether from a person, pet, or a meaningful experience. Instead of focusing on the memory itself, notice where love manifests in your body—warmth in your chest, a tingling in your hands, a soft smile, or gentle relaxation. With each inhale, visualize love spreading through your body like a warm light or soft energy, filling your heart, arms, and entire being. Allow yourself to fully experience this embodied sense of love, knowing it is always within you. When ready, bring awareness back to your surroundings, wiggle your fingers and toes, and take a final deep breath before opening your eyes. Set an intention to bring this felt sense of love into your interactions throughout the day. This episode is part of our series The Science of Love, supported by a grant from The John Templeton Foundation on spreading love through the media.Sign up for The Science of Happiness podcast's 7-Day Love Challenge to receive these science-backed practices delivered directly to your inbox: tinyurl.com/7daylovechallengeToday’s Happiness Break Host:Dacher Keltner is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5A Meditation for Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4yRelated Science of Happiness episodes:36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78uHow 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrHow to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind: https://tinyurl.com/yckyft6tHow To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh How To Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/msmxtyesFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/3dmpfam6

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  7:00
• 36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection

  Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Can a simple set of 36 questions build love and intimacy? We explore the science behind how the questions we ask and the way we listen shape our closest relationships.Episode summary:  In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we break down the science behind a practice designed to deepen connection—whether in romantic relationships or friendships. We’re joined by Amber and Ben Wallin, the hilarious and heartfelt couple who’ve shared their marriage and parenting journey with millions on TikTok. They put these 36 questions to the test. Later, we’ll dive into the power of listening and how it shapes our relationships with Yale psychologist Jieni Zhou.This is part of our series The Science of Love, supported by The John Templeton Foundation.Sign up for The Science of Happiness podcast's 7-Day Love Challenge to receive these science-backed practices delivered directly to your inbox: tinyurl.com/7daylovechallengeToday’s Guests:AMBER WALLIN is an LA-based comedian, host, and storyteller with over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram. She creates family, relationship and comedy content with her husband Ben Wallin. Follow Amber on Instagram: @burr_iamFollow Amber on TikTok: @burr_iamBEN WALLIN is a writer, content creator and social media personality who creates family, relationship and comedy content with his wife Amber Wallin. Follow Ben on Instagram: @beynfluencerFollow Ben on TikTok: @benjaminwallin5JIENI ZHOU is a Post-doctoral associate at Yale University and an expert in how positive experiences in romantic relationships impact our well-being.Learn more about Jieni here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3nkf2sRelated The Science of Happiness episodes:  How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrWhy We Need Friends With Shared Interests: https://tinyurl.com/bp8msacjWho’s Always There For You: https://tinyurl.com/yt3ejj6wRelated Happiness Breaks:Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/ye6baxv3Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5Visualizing Your Best Self in Relationships: https://tinyurl.com/4797z2vfTell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] 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/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78u

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  23:19
• Happiness Break: A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness

  Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Cultivate a sense of original love — a universal connection that nurtures joy, safety, and belonging — with meditation teacher Henry Shukman.How to Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position, either seated with a balanced, unsupported spine or resting back into support. Sense the solidity of your body resting on the earth, recognizing your deep connection with it. Observe the sounds around you, the sensations in your body, and any passing thoughts. Remember that you are not separate. Your nervous system, your emotions, and even your breath are part of a vast, shared experience. You are connected not only to other humans but to all living beings. Sense the loving quality in this awareness—an unconditional, foundational love that is always present. If continuing, remain in stillness and deepen your awareness. When finished, bring small movements into your body, breathe deeply, and return to your surroundings with a sense of connection and calm. Today’s Happiness Break Guide:Henry Shukman, is a poet, mindfulness teacher, and author of Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening. Learn more about Shukman’s work: https://henryshukman.com/aboutOrder his book, Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening: https://tinyurl.com/mwv5cuxrThis is part of our series The Science of Love, supported by The John Templeton Foundation.Related Happiness Break episodes:Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpmOur Deep Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/jthxkpjdRelated Science of Happiness episodes:How Water Heals: https://tinyurl.com/utuhrnh3How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xcHow Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/ye6baxv3

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  8:44
• How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship

  Scroll down for a transcription of this episodeFrom daily check-ins to meaningful compliments and planned dates nights, we explore a 7-day love challenge to help couples strengthen their relationships. Summary: Developed by renowned psychologists Julie and John Gottman. Based on decades of research, this week-long practice offers simple, actionable steps to deepen connection and nurture relationships. From meaningful check-ins and heartfelt compliments to the importance of touch, we uncover how small, intentional actions can create lasting bonds. Whether you're looking to reignite romance or strengthen your partnership, the 7-day love challenge provides practical tools to bring more love and connection into your life.Sign up for The Science of Happiness podcast's 7-Day Love Challenge to receive these science-backed practices delivered directly to your inbox at greatergood.berkeley.edu/7daylovechallengeThis is part of our series The Science of Love.More about the 7-day love challenge:Drs. John and Julie Gottman are psychologist and the co-founders of The Gottman Institute. They created this practiced based on decades of research studying over 3,000 couples.Check out their book, The Love Prescription, Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy:  https://tinyurl.com/34nt5vv9This episode is supported by The John Templeton Foundation.Related The Science of Happiness episodes:  Who’s Always There For You?: https://tinyurl.com/yt3ejj6wWhen It’s Hard to Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/bde6wyu7Are Your Remembering The Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2hRelated Happiness Breaks:Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5A Meditation on How to Be Your Best Self: https://tinyurl.com/3b38pw2fFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp 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/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhr

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  25:47
• Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam

  Scroll down for a transcription of this episodeCultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.How to Do This Practice: Reflect on an area of your life that brings you joy—whether it’s a small moment, an activity, or a connection. Imagine experiencing that joyful moment. Feel the smiles, peace, and lightness it brings. Let yourself fully connect with the positive emotions. As you reflect, silently say to yourself, “May my joy and my happiness increase.” Allow this intention to sink into your heart. Bring to mind someone in your life who is experiencing happiness or success. Picture them in their joyful state. In your mind, say to them, “May your joy and happiness increase.” Or, “I’m happy for your happiness. May your happiness continue.” Remind yourself that joy is limitless, like the stars in the universe. Celebrating the joy of others enhances your own happiness. Today’s Happiness Break Guide:Spring Washam, is a meditation teacher based in Oakland, California. She is also the author of the book, The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground.Learn more about Spring and her new book: https://www.springwasham.com/Follow Spring on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/Check out Spring’s YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/22njyd29Related Happiness Break episodes: Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x Wishing Others’ Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle: https://tinyurl.com/jrkewjs8 Related Science of Happiness episodes: Where to Look for Joy: https://tinyurl.com/5n7thrh4 Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/a6shdsae

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  10:07

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