December 08, 2022

The Science of Synchronized Movement

17 minutes

Moving in sync with someone else — even a total stranger — can change how you feel about them, and how you act, without you realizing it.

Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2baf5v3u

Episode summary:

When was the last time you moved in sync with someone else? Dancing, exercising, even just walking in step — for some, it comes easily, for others, it’s a challenge. But can moving to the same beat make all of us kinder to one another? This week, our guest Chris Duffy steps out of his comfort zone to try a practice in Body Music, rhythmically making sounds just by tapping your body, with body percussionist Keith Terry. Later, we learn how tapping in sync with someone else tricks you into thinking you have more in common with them, and can make you more inclined to help them.

Practice:

To start, stand up. Clap your hands together in front of your chest, then tap your left palm to your right chest, then right hand to your left chest. Repeat at a steady cadence.

Next, cap your hands together in front of your chest, then tap your left hand to your right chest, then right hand to your left chest, the right hand to top of your right thigh, then left hand to left thigh. Repeat at a steady cadence.

You can add on by tapping your right hand to your right buttocks and left hand to left buttocks after you finish tapping both thighs in step 2. Repeat (including all of step 2) at a steady cadence.

To add even more complexity, stomp each foot one at a time after completing all of step 3. Repeat at a steady cadence.

Check out a video of body percussionist Keith Terry performing this practice (and try it with a friend!):

https://tinyurl.com/mwffv447

Today’s guests:

Chris Duffy is a comedian, writer, and host of the TED podcast How to Be A Better Human.

Listen to Chris’s podcast, How to Be a Better Human: https://tinyurl.com/bdey9pm5

Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisiduffy/

Follow Chris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopheriduffy

Check out Chris’s comedy: https://chrisduffycomedy.com/videos

Keith Terry is a body percussionist and creator of the Body Music practice Chris tried today.

Learn more about Keith’s work: https://crosspulse.com/keith-terry/

Check out one of Keith’s original compositions: https://tinyurl.com/ybhweyux

Piercarlo Valdesolo is a psychologist and Chair of Psychological Science at Claremont McKenna College in California.

Learn more about Piercarolo’s work: http://www.valdesolo.com/

Check out the Moral Emotions and Trust Lab: http://www.valdesolo.com/meat-lab

Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:

How Music Bonds Us Together https://tinyurl.com/329scmf6

To Resolve Conflicts, Get Up and Move https://tinyurl.com/bdf6zswn

Five Ways Music Can Make You a Better Person https://tinyurl.com/mwa22r8m

How to Train the Compassionate Brain https://tinyurl.com/32nbuh94

More Resources on Synchronized Movement

PRX - Body Music with Keith Terry https://tinyurl.com/2p8tz5j3

Scientific American - Moving in Sync Creates Surprising Social Bonds among People https://tinyurl.com/3y3ahfa3

Oxford University - Let’s dance: synchronised movement helps us tolerate pain and foster friendship https://tinyurl.com/c8tvrmdx

Science Daily - Social Synchronicity https://tinyurl.com/4mzvahe

Tell us about your experiences and struggles with body music or moving in sync. Email us at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

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Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

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By PRX and Greater Good Science Center

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