The Science of Happiness

Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center

Language: en

Genres: Science, Social Sciences

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Happiness Break: Holding Truth With Compassion
Thursday, 23 July, 2026

Take a moment to connect with your body and make space for difficult emotions with compassion and care. This embodiment practice is guided by Lyla June Johnston, a Diné musician, scholar of Indigenous land management, and community organizer.How To Do This Practice: Ground yourself in the present: Find a comfortable seated position and take four slow, deep breaths. Notice the feeling of your body supported by the chair or the floor, bringing your attention fully into the present moment. Reflect on a difficult truth: Gently bring to mind a challenging truth—such as the lasting impacts of colonization or another painful reality. Approach it with curiosity rather than judgment, allowing yourself to stay present instead of becoming overwhelmed. Notice where your emotions live in your body: As you reflect, pay attention to your physical sensations. You might notice tightness in your chest, heaviness in your stomach, warmth in your heart, or another sensation. Simply observe where your emotions show up. Hold your feelings with compassion: Rather than pushing difficult emotions away or getting lost in them, imagine holding them with the same care you would offer a crying child. Let each feeling be seen, heard, and acknowledged without trying to fix it. Replace shame with love and solidarity: If guilt or shame arises, gently set it down. Instead, invite feelings of compassion, hope, and connection. Consider one way you can move toward repair, understanding, or solidarity—even if it's simply bearing witness with an open heart. Return to the present with intention: Bring your awareness back to your breath, your body, and your surroundings. Relax your shoulders, soften your muscles, and take four more deep breaths. As you finish, carry forward an intention to meet difficult truths with courage, love, and compassionate action. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Happiness Break Guide:LYLA JUNE JOHNSTON is the founder and Dean of Instruction at The Rehuman School.Learn about Lyla June Johnston's work: https://www.lylajune.com/Related The Science of Happiness episodes: How to Feel Less Lonely and More Connected: https://tinyurl.com/2s3tbchdWhen It's Hard To Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/mr32nwtvAn Awe Walk Through History and Possibility: https://tinyurl.com/mr3arrbcRelated Happiness Breaks:A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Own Voice: https://tinyurl.com/36x3fbk7A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness:https://tinyurl.com/mu2uzs2cOur Deep Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/y2epxyxnWe’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/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/3v76jcs8