The Science of Happiness

Explore how to harness your innate resilience through guided meditation and the power of memory. Prentis Hemphill invites listeners to conjure up memories that evoke strength and creativity. Experience how to physically embody resilience, tuning into your body’s sensations and emotions. Learn to amplify these feelings and carry them into your daily life, providing a toolkit for navigating challenges with strength and agency.

Tomás Morín, a celebrated poet and creative writing professor at Rice University, dives into how writing can foster hope. He discusses a research-backed writing practice that encourages individuals to articulate their hopes, reflect on past successes, and express gratitude. Morín emphasizes the transformative power of personal actions in cultivating optimism, especially in uncertain times. He also shares insights on addressing eco-anxiety and the importance of nurturing a hopeful mindset for both personal well-being and environmental stewardship.

Feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list? Discover a soothing guided meditation that helps you reconnect by visualizing tasks as floating bubbles. Reflect on what truly fuels your stress and explore notions of gratitude and self-compassion. Learn to acknowledge your worth beyond productivity, finding calm amidst the chaos of daily demands. Embrace the idea that being needed gives a sense of purpose, even when not everything gets done.

Abby Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and bestselling author, opens up about the emotional complexities of a celebrated sports career. She explores the disconnect between external achievements and internal fulfillment, discussing her battles with addiction and shame. Abby emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience as she navigates her journey of self-acceptance. She also encourages listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and prioritize genuine connections over societal expectations, sharing powerful insights from her personal experiences.

Explore the transformative power of embracing stillness and uncertainty. Through poetic reflection, the discussion highlights how moments of doubt can be fertile ground for growth. Listeners are encouraged to acknowledge their feelings without rushing to find solutions. Silence is not just an absence but a space filled with meaning. The idea of self-love during challenging times is beautifully captured with the reminder to nurture oneself. Finally, there's comfort in understanding that many share this journey of uncertainty.

Yrsa Daley-Ward, an award-winning poet and author, joins Susan Magsamen, a Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins, to explore the profound impact of poetry on our mental health. They discuss how poetry can calm nerves, aid in emotional processing, and enhance self-esteem. The conversation highlights the brain's transformation through poetic engagement, reducing stress and reshaping memories. Listeners are encouraged to embrace poetry as a therapeutic tool that nurtures creativity and connection, fostering personal identity and resilience.

Spring Washam, a meditation teacher and author, shares transformative visualization techniques to awaken creative energy. She guides listeners in a gentle meditation that invites inspiration and joy. By connecting to a light channel running from the spine to the crown of the head, participants are encouraged to fill their bodies with possibility. Focusing on the heart, Washam emphasizes trusting one's inner creativity, leaving listeners feeling grounded and ready to express their artistic selves.

Shabnam Piryaei, an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and teacher, discusses the unique healing power of art. She shares how creating visual art can ground us and foster emotional resilience during life's challenges. Shabnam highlights personal stories illustrating the therapeutic benefits of art-making, even in caregiving contexts. The conversation explores the joy of creative surrender, emphasizing connection and self-discovery through shared artistic experiences. Overall, it paints a vivid picture of art as a vital tool for emotional well-being.

Join Alex Elle for a brief yet transformative meditation focused on making space for clarity and ease in your life. Embrace deep breathing to release fears and stress, promoting a sense of inner peace. Discover the power of self-compassion as you reflect on what truly matters. Choose a meaningful phrase from the practice to keep your intentions alive throughout the day. Remember, making space takes time and patience, so offer yourself grace on this journey.

Suzanne Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia, shares her groundbreaking insights into tree communication. She reveals that trees are not just in competition but actively support one another, forming intricate networks of cooperation. Simard discusses the essential role of 'mother trees' in ecosystems and how connecting with nature can foster a sense of belonging. She also highlights the importance of gratitude towards trees, inviting listeners to embrace the healing power of forests in their lives.