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Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice

Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center September 17, 2026 Duration: 8:07
The Science of Happiness
ScienceSocial
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation. Mindfulness and meditation teacher Criss Cuervo invites you to reflect on your history, heritage, and connection to your ancestors. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, either on a cushion or chair. Gently lower your gaze or close your eyes if that feels comfortable. Focus on Your Breath: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Allow yourself to transition from your daily activities into this moment of reflection. Acknowledge Your Accent: Bring awareness to the way you speak, recognizing that your voice carries your history, culture, and personal journey. Repeat Self-Compassion Phrases: Silently or aloud, repeat affirmations such as, “my accent makes me unique,” “my accent carries my story,” “my accent connects me to my ancestors.” Place a Hand on Your Heart: If it feels right, gently place a hand on your heart, offering yourself warmth and kindness as you continue to breathe deeply. Close with Gratitude: Take a final deep breath, sending appreciation to yourself, your ancestors, and the uniqueness of your voice before gently opening your eyes. Today’s Happiness Break host: CRISS CUERVO is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, Bridging Differences Coordinator at the Greater Good Science Center, and author of PERTENÆCER: Eight-Week Mindfulness and Meditation Training and Practices for Latinx Immigrants in the United.  Learn more about Criss Cuervo here: https://tinyurl.com/4npjwn6m Read her book here: https://tinyurl.com/3byby84b Related Happiness Break episodes: A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4 Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5 Where Did You Come From: https://tinyurl.com/2y9uyjj6 Related Science of Happiness episodes: How to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc How to Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh  How to Feel Better About Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/42fn62a2 Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.  Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/5fdce47a

What if the things that make life feel worthwhile aren't just abstract ideas, but observable, measurable phenomena? That's the territory explored in The Science of Happiness. Each episode moves beyond simple self-help platitudes, grounding itself in the concrete research from psychology and neuroscience. Hosted by the insightful Dacher Keltner, a psychologist whose work often centers on these very emotions, the conversations feel both authoritative and deeply human. You'll hear from people who are actively testing out specific, research-backed practices-from cultivating compassion to finding moments of genuine awe-and then discussing the real, sometimes messy results. This isn't about a constant state of cheer; it's about understanding the building blocks of a resilient and meaningful existence. The podcast, a co-production of PRX and the Greater Good Science Center, translates academic findings into accessible stories and actionable insights. Tuning in feels less like receiving a lecture and more like sitting in on a fascinating experiment about our shared human condition, one where the data points are moments of connection, gratitude, and personal discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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The Science of Happiness
Podcast Episodes
Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:04
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am." How To Do This Practice: Settle your body and breath: Find a comfortable seat. C…
How Stories Shape Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
Learn how the stories we tell and hear shape our relationships, values, and sense of belonging. Summary: Storytelling is more than entertainment. It shapes how we think, feel, and relate to others. In this episode of The…
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:17
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them. You can also listen to this episode in Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm How To Do This Practice:…
The Power of a Collective Pause [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:13
Explore how students are using simple mindful breathing practices to navigate stress, stay grounded, and support their classmates. Summary: Classrooms often are confronted with difficult topics that can leave students ov…
Happiness Break: How Connecting With Ancestors Deepens Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:07
Through a gentle ancestral meditation, discover how grounding in your roots can open the door to healing, meaning, and a deeper sense of belonging. How To Do This Practice: Settle Into Your Body: Notice whether you’re si…
How to Feel Better About Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness. Summary: What does your inner critic sound like? Many of us carry echoes of past misunders…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Gratitude Feels Hard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:00
When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what’s here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright or lie down. Whatever feels most sup…
Being Kind Is Good for Your Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:37
Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness we explore how everyday acts of kindness strengthen our sense of…

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