Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year

Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center January 8, 2026 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. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Feeling your belly and lungs expand. Bringing your attention into the present moment. Notice what’s here: Briefly tune in to what’s moving through you right now: thoughts, emotions, sensations in your body, and the space around you. There’s nothing to change—just notice. Begin with “I am…”: Open your eyes and place your pen at the top of the page. Write the words “I am…” and complete the sentence with whatever feels true at this moment. Keep writing continuously for one minute: On each new line, write “I am…” again and complete it. Keep your pen moving for a full minute. Don’t edit, judge, or overthink. Just let the words come. Pause and reflect: Put your pen down. Read what you’ve written. Notice where you started, how your responses shifted, and where you ended. Look for patterns, themes, or surprises. Carry it forward: Take a few mindful breaths. Consider how this clearer sense of your present self might shape how you move into the next moment with more awareness and care. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Happiness Break Guide: CHRIS MURCHISON is an artist and meditation teacher. Check out Chris’s website: https://chrismurchison.com/ Follow Chris on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4nyjahj4 Related Happiness Break episodes: The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8 A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y How to Be Your Own Best Friend: https://tinyurl.com/y5kbecej Related Science of Happiness episodes: How to Stick to Your Resolutions in 2024: https://tinyurl.com/mub9z9z4 How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6 How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc 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/2d595rz3

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

The Science of Happiness
Podcast Episodes
Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:07
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 connect…
How to Protect Your Brain as You Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:48
What if getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your memory? Learn how neuroplasticity, healthy habits, and simple memory exercises can help keep your brain strong at any age. Summary: We often assume that getting olde…
Happiness Break: Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:55
Buddhist meditation teacher, Anushka Fernandopulle, guides us through a practice of Mudita, or appreciative joy, to help us share in the happiness of others. How To Do This Practice: Get comfortable and ground yourself:…
Sidedoor: Writing on the Wall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:36
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. From the time we are old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS CHELOVE—also known as Cita Sadeli—this instinct became a calling.…
Talk To A Stranger—It’s Good For You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:11
We often underestimate how much small talk can impact our wellbeing. Research shows that even brief conversations with strangers can boost our happiness and sense of connection, but fear and anxiety often keep us from re…
Happiness Break: A Practice In Moving Through Stress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
Join yoga and meditation teacher Jonathan Relucio for a trauma-informed practice combining mindful movement and breathing to reduce tension and build resilience to stress. How To Do This Practice: Get comfortable: Sit or…
Where To Look For Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:08
How can we feel more moments of joy? Explore how joy is rooted in connection, gratitude, and paying attention to the people and moments that bring meaning to our lives. Summary: Did you know that joy isn’t just something…
Happiness Break: A Body Scan for Calm and Ease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:54
Meditation teacher Spring Washam guides us in a practice of embodied awareness, helping us use the body as an anchor during stressful or overwhelming moments. How To Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position: Sit upr…
Ear Hustle Podcast: Corny-Ass Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:36
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Nigel says no matter where you are, everyone has a story to tell about a hug: good, bad, or awkward. Earlonne isn’t buying it. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia,…
Why You Can’t Do It Alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
Can anyone truly succeed alone? We explore how role models, mentors, and strong social support make upward mobility far more possible than grit alone. Summary: What role do the people around us play in shaping our succes…