Through poetic reflection, Yrsa Daley-Ward helps us embrace the in-between moments, reminding us that the unknown can be the very terrain where real change begins.

Settle into Stillness: Find a quiet space, get comfortable, and take a few slow breaths to arrive in the moment.

Acknowledge the Unknown: Gently notice and name any uncertainty, confusion, or emotional fog you’re feeling without needing to fix it.

Welcome the Silence: Allow the silence and stillness to be here, trusting it holds meaning even if it feels uncomfortable.

Reflect with Gentle Words: Repeat silently or write: “To love yourself through the darkness is to plant gardens at night.”

Feel Your Connection: Remember that many others are also sitting with uncertainty, and you are not alone in this experience.

Close with Compassion: Offer yourself kindness through touch or words and affirm that this pause is part of your growth.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Happiness Break Guide:

YRSA DALEY-WARD is an award-winning poet and author of the novel, The Catch.
Learn more about Yrsa here: <a href="https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/">https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/</a>

Order her book here: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yanw6bb5">https://tinyurl.com/yanw6bb5</a>

Related Happiness Break episodes:

Using Art As Medicine Series: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupx">https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupx</a>

Making Space For You: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv">https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv</a>

How To Awaken Your Creative Energy: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8ev">https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8ev</a>

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

How Art Heals Us: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu">https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu</a>

Our Brains on Poetry: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd">https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd</a>

Are You Following Your Inner Compass: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvj">https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvj</a>

Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scienceofhappinesspod/">@ScienceOfHappinessPod

</a>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: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap">https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap</a>

Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link:<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap"> https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap</a>

Transcription: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yckxhbja">https://tinyurl.com/yckxhbja</a>

The Science of Happiness

PRX and Greater Good Science Center

Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process

APR 2, 20263 MIN
The Science of Happiness

Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process

APR 2, 20263 MIN

Description

Through poetic reflection, Yrsa Daley-Ward helps us embrace the in-between moments, reminding us that the unknown can be the very terrain where real change begins. Settle into Stillness: Find a quiet space, get comfortable, and take a few slow breaths to arrive in the moment. Acknowledge the Unknown: Gently notice and name any uncertainty, confusion, or emotional fog you’re feeling without needing to fix it. Welcome the Silence: Allow the silence and stillness to be here, trusting it holds meaning even if it feels uncomfortable. Reflect with Gentle Words: Repeat silently or write: “To love yourself through the darkness is to plant gardens at night.” Feel Your Connection: Remember that many others are also sitting with uncertainty, and you are not alone in this experience. Close with Compassion: Offer yourself kindness through touch or words and affirm that this pause is part of your growth. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Happiness Break Guide:YRSA DALEY-WARD is an award-winning poet and author of the novel, The Catch.Learn more about Yrsa here: https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/Order her book here: https://tinyurl.com/yanw6bb5Related Happiness Break episodes:Using Art As Medicine Series: https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupxMaking Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfvHow To Awaken Your Creative Energy: https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8evRelated Science of Happiness episodes:How Art Heals Us: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzuOur Brains on Poetry: https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzdAre You Following Your Inner Compass: https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvjFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’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/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/yckxhbja