When we feel cared for, our cortisol levels drop, we feel safe, and we handle stress better. Dacher leads a meditation to help us focus on the people who make us feel supported.
How To Do This Practice:
- Get Comfortable: Find a quiet spot. Sit or stand in a relaxed position. Take a few deep breaths to settle your body and mind.
- Think of a Friend: Picture a friend who has supported you. Notice how it feels to remember their care. What have they given you? Kindness, courage, laughter?
- Think of a Family Member: Now think of someone in your family (or chosen family) who’s helped you. What moment comes to mind? How did they support you? Name what they gave you.
- Think of a Mentor: Bring to mind a mentor or guide—someone who’s taught or encouraged you. How did they help you grow? What gift did they offer? Wisdom, strength, direction?
- Feel the Support: Picture all three people around you. Let yourself feel supported and held. Breathe in that sense of connection.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4
Wishing Others’ Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle: https://tinyurl.com/jrkewjs8
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h
Why Friendships Matter More Than We Think: https://tinyurl.com/y99tc9nm
Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j
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/5xmfkf73
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com