The Science of Happiness

Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin. How to Do This Practice:Last week we explored the scientifically backed healing qualities of water, focusing on how connecting with water through sound, sight, and touch can support our well being. This week, indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin.   Find a quiet space where you can engage with water— a nearby river, ocean, or even the faucet at home. Focus on the sound of water. Whether it’s the gentle drip from a faucet or the sound of waves, listen deeply to how water calls to you. Contemplate how water transforms between solid, liquid, and gas. Let this remind you of your own potential for transformation. Imagine the water flow, guiding you to feel its presence within and around you, awakening memories, imagination, and a sense of belonging in this shared world. Take a few moments to reflect on how different manifestations of water connect with you.  Today’s Happiness Break Host:DR. YURIA CELIDWEN is an indigenous scholar of contemplative studies, and author of the new book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations For Collective Well-Being.Read more on Yuria: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/#aboutFollow Yuria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriacelidwen/Read Yuria’s work on kin relationality: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.994508/fullIf You Enjoyed This Happiness Break, You Might Also Like: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher How to Ground Yourself in Nature, With Yuria Celidwen  Check Out These Episodes of The Science of Happiness:  The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife  How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself)  How to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind (The Science of Happiness) We’d love to hear how this practice goes for you! Let us know how you connect with water in your life.Email us at [email protected] Find us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzusHelp us share Happiness Break! Rate us and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzusTranscript: https://tinyurl.com/59mmr7jc

Discover how connecting with water through all five senses can support well-being.A growing body of research shows that connecting with water through things like sight and sound and touch can have a positive impact on how we feel, how we think, and even the state of our bodies. This week, we activate all five senses through connecting with water in hopes of applying that research into reality. We hear from an environmental psychologist about the many proven benefits of spending time by water, as well as an indigenous scholar about the view of water not just as vital resources, but as kin that need protecting.Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mt4sfdbhThis episode is supported by Tianren Culture, whose vision is “One Wisdom, One Health.” Tianren Culture is a next-generation social platform that acts as a catalyst to foster positive global values and lifestyles.Practice:This practice is all about connecting your five senses: taste, sight, sound, touch, and smell– all through water. Here are five steps that could help improve your daily routine.  Taste: Create a daily ritual of mindfully drinking water.  Sight: Recenter yourself by seeing bodies of water in person, virtually, or even in your mind's eye. Sound: Listen to the sound of rain, the sounds of waves crashing to reduce stress, or the faucet dripping. Touch: This could be swimming, showers, even placing your hands in water Smell: Take in the different smells of water bodies in nature. Today’s guests:TARANEH ARHAMSADR Based out of Oakland, Taraneh is a mother of two who’s worked in nonprofit communication for over 20 years, all the while being a part time blogger. A little under four years ago, she also co-founded Piper + Enza, a media venture dedicated to empowering families on their health journeys through storytelling. Read more on Taraneh: https://piperandenza.com/our-team/Read some of Taraneh’s work: https://www.mother.ly/author/taraneh-arhamsadr/DR. MATHEW WHITE is a social psychologist researching the relationships between natural environments, physical health, and psychological health. White has worked at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health for nearly 10 years, and is currently continuing his research at the University of Vienna. Read more on Mathew: https://env-psy.univie.ac.at/about-us/mat-white/Read more on his research efforts: https://www.ecehh.org/person/dr-mathew-white/ DR. YURIA CELIDWEN is an indigenous scholar of contemplative studies, and author of the new book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations For Collective Well-Being.Read more on Yuria: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/#aboutScience of Happiness Episodes like this one:The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/49pkk6euHow to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx

A guided drawing meditation to help you break out of stale thought patterns and maybe even enter a state of flow. No talent required.How to Do This Practice: Grab a piece of paper and something to draw with. Find a comfortable place and start by taking some deep, mindful breaths Take a few moments to take in your environment. What colors, shapes, and objects do you see? Set a timer and for the next two minutes, draw something that caught your attention. Don’t worry about how it looks and try to stay in the moment. Once time is up, spend a moment appreciating what you drew. Think about the impact of slowing down and doing something fun has had on your day. Today’s Happiness Break host:Chris Murchison is a meditation teacher, artist and speaker. He currently works as an independent advisor for organizations interested in improving their work cultures.Check out Chris’s GGSC profile: https://tinyurl.com/32htut6nLearn more about Chris’s art and other work: https://chrismurchison.com/aboutFollow Chris on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4auxk3urTranscript: tinyurl.com/4cmucasc

We explore Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—as a ritual that nurtures community, imbues loss with meaning, and helps us process grief while also connecting through shared joy.Summary: We investigate how Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, rituals strengthen family ties and cultural identity, and learn about its evolution from a 3,000 year old practice to a global celebration. We look at key elements like the ofrenda and explore how commercialization—like Mattel’s Day of the Dead Barbie—raises questions about balancing tradition with modern influences.Guest: Michelle Telléz is an Associate Professor in Mexican-American studies at Arizona State University.Learn more about Michelle: https://tinyurl.com/2ph3can7Guest: Mathew Sandoval, a.ka. "Dr. Muerte," an artist and Associate Professor at Arizona State University. He is a leading expert on Día de los Muertos.Learn more about Mathew: mathewsandoval.comTranscript: https://tinyurl.com/236sp5fj