Happiness Break: A Practice In Appreciating Your Friends

Take a moment to appreciate the friends who know you, support you, and make your life richer with their presence, with author Alex Elle. How To Do This Practice: Take a few deep breaths: Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly, relaxing your shoulders and jaw. Bring a friend to mind: Think of someone who has become an important part of your life. Remember how they’ve known you: Reflect on the stories, experiences, and versions of yourself that this person has witnessed. Notice the ordinary moments: Bring to mind a laugh, conversation, meal, road trip, or small gesture that captures your friendship. Feel your gratitude: Let yourself appreciate what it means to be seen, remembered, supported, and accepted by a friend. Consider how you can show you care: Think of one small way you can tend to the friendship, whether by reaching out, checking in, or simply telling them you appreciate them. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. The Science of Happiness is a Top 5 finalist in the Signal Awards for our series on how cities can inspire awe, and we’d love your vote! Find the voting link here or on our Instagram page, @scienceofhappinesspod. Then email [email protected] with a screenshot of your vote for a chance to win a signed copy of host Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Today’s Guide: ALEX ELLE is a breathwork coach, author and restorative writing teacher. www.alexelle.com/about Related Happiness Break episodes: A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness:https://tinyurl.com/mu2uzs2c Our Deep Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/y2epxyxn Making Space for You, with Alex Elle: https://tinyurl.com/45arsb76 Related Science of Happiness episodes: Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/mrxsad33 When It's Hard To Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/mr32nwtv The Contagious Power of Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/y6bpvbv5 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/mvhnrk5b