The Science of Happiness

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.

Discover how feeling cared for reduces stress and enhances well-being. A guided meditation invites you to reflect on the support from friends, family, and mentors. You'll explore the gifts they've given you—kindness, wisdom, and laughter. Learn to embrace these connections and visualize the support around you for a deeper sense of security and happiness. Plus, uncover the importance of experiencing awe in everyday life for greater fulfillment.

Issa Rae, the talented actor and creator behind "Insecure," joins siblings Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson for a lively discussion about friendship. They share hilarious personal stories, from fashion blunders to driving mishaps, that highlight the bonds of family. The trio dives deep into the complexities of adult friendships, balancing vulnerability and communication, and the emotional nuances of maintaining connections over time. Their candid conversation encourages reflection on the dynamics of friendships and the importance of nurturing relationships through life's changes.

Adam Becker, an astrophysicist and author, teams up with psychologist Jean Twenge, who studies the effects of the digital world on generations. They discuss how our dependence on screens is reshaping happiness and connection. The conversation highlights the alarming impact of social media on youth mental health, suggesting a digital detox could revitalize personal interactions. They explore the benefits of immersing in nature and reducing screen time to revive focus, creativity, and overall well-being.

Criss Cuervo, a mindfulness teacher and author, dives into the beauty of our unique voices and accents. He leads a self-compassion meditation that helps listeners celebrate their histories and cultural backgrounds. By reflecting on the stories carried in our voices, Criss promotes self-acceptance and resilience. Affirmations like 'my accent makes me unique' encourage deeper connections to ancestry and identity, wrapping up the session with a heartfelt moment of gratitude.

Amy Schneider, the historic Jeopardy! champion known for her 40 consecutive wins, discusses the importance of mindfulness in high-pressure situations. She shares her journey of using body scan meditation to stay calm and focused before the Tournament of Champions. Schneider emphasizes how simple mindfulness practices can alleviate anxiety and enhance mental clarity. With relatable insights, she explores strategies to overcome fear of failure and improve self-awareness, making it a valuable guide for anyone seeking to cultivate resilience in daily life.

Join Lama Rod Owens as he guides you to find calm through a unique meditation technique. Discover how to visualize your mind as an expansive sky while observing thoughts as fleeting clouds. This practice encourages you to detach from ruminating thoughts and embrace their impermanence. Experience a journey towards a tranquil state of mind, enhancing both personal well-being and relationships.

An art-form powerful enough to prescribe — from ancient traditions to modern neuroscience, we uncover how music, including lullabies, function as a form of medicine.Summary: Music has a unique ability to calm, heal, and bring people together, and lullabies are one of the earliest ways we experience this connection. In this episode, we explore how music affects the brain, reduces stress, and strengthens bonds between caregivers and children. Through science and personal stories, we reflect on the deep emotional power of lullabies and their role in both everyday life and moments of challenge. From ancient traditions to modern research, we uncover why lullabies remain a universal source of comfort.Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: ALEXIS CARIELLO is a social worker who was prescribed music to help manage her perinatal anxiety. DR. DANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author of the books, Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power and I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music As Medicine.Follow Dr. Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficialBringing Lullabies into Everyday LifeYou don’t need to be a professional musician to bring the healing power of music into your caregiving routine. Here are some simple ways to incorporate lullabies into your daily life: Sing, Even If It’s Just for You: Whether you hum a tune while rocking a child to sleep or sing in the shower, music can help regulate emotions and ease stress. Create a Caregiving Playlist: Curate a selection of calming songs that bring comfort and connection. Write Your Own Lullaby: Personalizing a song can be a deeply meaningful way to express love and support. Share the Experience: Singing together can strengthen bonds, whether with a child, a partner, or a classroom of students. Our Caring for Caregivers series is supported by the Van Leer Foundation, an independent Dutch organization working globally to foster inclusive societies where all children and communities can flourish. To discover more insights from Van Leer Foundation and others on this topic, visit Early Childhood Matters, the leading platform for advancing topics on early childhood development and connecting diverse voices and ideas across disciplines that support the wellbeing of babies, toddlers and caregivers around the globe.Music has the power to uplift, soothe, and connect. What lullabies, songs, or musical rituals bring you comfort? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or message us  on Instagram @ScienceOfHappinessPod.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/49svzn4v