The Science of Happiness

A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness, with Henry Shukman | Happiness Break

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Cultivate a sense of original love — a universal connection that nurtures joy, safety, and belonging — with meditation teacher Henry Shukman.

How to Do This Practice:

  1. Find a comfortable position, either seated with a balanced, unsupported spine or resting back into support.
  2. Sense the solidity of your body resting on the earth, recognizing your deep connection with it.
  3. Observe the sounds around you, the sensations in your body, and any passing thoughts.
  4. Remember that you are not separate. Your nervous system, your emotions, and even your breath are part of a vast, shared experience. You are connected not only to other humans but to all living beings.
  5. Sense the loving quality in this awareness—an unconditional, foundational love that is always present.
  6. If continuing, remain in stillness and deepen your awareness.
  7. When finished, bring small movements into your body, breathe deeply, and return to your surroundings with a sense of connection and calm.

    8. Today’s Happiness Break Guide:

    Henry Shukman, is a poet, mindfulness teacher, and author of Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening. 

    Learn more about Shukman’s work: https://henryshukman.com/about

    Order his book, Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening: https://tinyurl.com/mwv5cuxr

    This is part of our series The Science of Love, supported by The John Templeton Foundation.

    Related Happiness Break episodes:

    Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
    How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm
    Our Deep Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/jthxkpjd

    Related Science of Happiness episodes:

    How Water Heals: https://tinyurl.com/utuhrnh3
    How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
    How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6

    Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod

    We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] 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/ye6baxv3

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