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:

1. Take a few deep breaths: Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly, relaxing your shoulders and jaw.
2. Bring a friend to mind: Think of someone who has become an important part of your life.
3. Remember how they’ve known you: Reflect on the stories, experiences, and versions of yourself that this person has witnessed.
4. Notice the ordinary moments: Bring to mind a laugh, conversation, meal, road trip, or small gesture that captures your friendship.
5. Feel your gratitude: Let yourself appreciate what it means to be seen, remembered, supported, and accepted by a friend.
6. 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.

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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 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/mvhnrk5b