Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle

Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center May 1, 2025 Duration: 6:02
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle.  Find a quiet place, settle your body, and reflect on where you want more clarity or ease in your life. Breathe deeply, filling your belly on each inhale and softening your body on each exhale. Notice the fears, doubts, or stresses you’re carrying and gently commit to letting them go. Pick one phrase from the meditation that speaks to you most deeply (e.g., In the presence of chaos, I will make space for inner peace). Write it down on a sticky note and place it somewhere visible to keep the intention alive throughout your day. Close your practice by offering yourself grace, trusting that making space takes time and patience. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Happiness Break host: ALEX ELLE is a breathwork coach, author and restorative writing teacher. Learn more about Alex here: https://www.alexelle.com/about Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/ Follow Alex on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@easewithalex Related Happiness Break episodes: Who Takes Care of You: https://tinyurl.com/5xmfkf73 Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5 A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4 Related Science of Happiness episodes: How to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6 How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc We love hearing from you! Tell us about your experience of holding silence. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave us a 5-star review and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv

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: 100

The Science of Happiness
Podcast Episodes
How To Breathe Away Anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:48
It’s important to take a moment to pause and take a long, slow exhale as we navigate life. In our podcast series, "Breathe Away Anxiety," we explore ancient breathing techniques alongside cutting-edge research that revea…
How To Show Up For Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:56
We explore the science behind how self-compassionate touch can help us feel better about ourselves. Link to transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4nm5827f Summary: Brittany Luce, host of NPR's "It's Been A Minute," shares her…
Are You Following Your Inner Compass? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:43
What if you had a magic wand and could better the world in any way? What would you do? We explore a practice shown to help you find your purpose and feel more motivated, resilient and fulfilled in life. Link to episode t…
Happiness Break: A Meditation on Becoming A Gift To Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
Our happiness is interconnected with the well-being of others, both people and the natural world. Step outside of you can, or imagine the outdoors from wherever you are now, and join us for a meditation that’ll help us b…
How To Let In New Perspectives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:30
With the U.S. election swiftly approaching, the political divide can feel overwhelming. But what happens when we recognize the limits of our knowledge? Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/83a5wbkp Episode Sum…
Happiness Break: Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:07
Loving-kindness meditation, or “metta,” has its roots in Buddhist traditions that date back thousands of years. Studies show it can help nourish your capacity to express love, feel more satisfied in life, and enhance bra…
Catch Yourself in a Dream (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
Have you ever known you were dreaming while you were asleep? Our guests try practices to help induce lucid dreams, and we hear what they can teach us about consciousness. Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yc6trmsh

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