Happiness Break: A Loving-Kindness Practice for Yourself

幸福休息:自我慈爱练习

The Science of Happiness

2026-04-16

9 分钟
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In this gentle practice, psychologist Kristin Neff helps us extend loving kindness inward, offering ourselves the same care and goodwill we naturally give to others. How To Do This Practice: Settle into your body: Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you’d like, and take a few natural breaths while noticing the weight of your body in the chair and your feet on the floor. Bring to mind someone you love easily: Think of a person or pet you care about deeply and picture their face. Notice the natural warmth and goodwill you feel toward them. Offer them wishes for well-being: Silently repeat phrases such as: May you be safe. May you be peaceful. May you be healthy. May you be free from suffering. Include yourself in the circle of kindness: Imagine yourself beside this loved one and extend the same wishes to both of you: May we be safe. May we be peaceful. May we be healthy. May we be free from suffering. Turn the kindness fully toward yourself: Let the image of your loved one fade and focus on yourself. If it feels comfortable, place a hand on your heart or hold your hands together, repeating: May I be safe. May I be peaceful. May I be healthy. May I be free from suffering. Rest in whatever arises: Let the phrases go and sit quietly for a few breaths, noticing any feelings that are present—warmth, discomfort, or neutrality—and meeting them with gentle acceptance. Scroll down for a transcription of this practice. Listen to the Full Practice Here: https://self-compassion.org/practices/loving-kindness-meditation-2/ Today’s Happiness Break Guide:Dr. Kristin Neff is an associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin's department of educational psychology. She's also the co-author of 'Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout,' which offers tools to help individuals heal and recharge from burnout. More Happiness Breaks like this one: A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/45vpp3f4 The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8 Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5 Related Science of Happiness episodes: Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/yxw4uhpf The Science of Letting Go: https://tinyurl.com/566t8udf The Contagious Power of Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/3x7w2s5s 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/jc7pk3s4
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  • We all have bad days and sometimes bad weeks and maybe even bad years.

  • But the good news is we don't have to figure out life all alone.

  • I'm comedian Chris Duffy, host of Ted's How to Be a Better Human podcast.

  • And our show is about the little ways that you can improve your life,

  • actual practical tips that you can put into place that will make your day-to-day better.

  • Whether it is setting boundaries at work or rethinking how you clean your house,

  • each episode has conversations with experts who share tips on how to navigate life's ups and downs.

  • Find How to Be a Better Human wherever you're listening to this.

  • Welcome to Happiness Break, a series by the Science of Happiness where we guide you through practices

  • to help you find more meaning, kindness, and connection in your everyday life.

  • I'm Dacher Keltner.

  • Loving kindness is the contemplative practice of cultivating unconditional,

  • active goodwill by meeting others with friendliness, care, and a sincere wish for their well-being.

  • We 're joined by Kristen Neff, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin

  • and a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion.

  • She's going to walk us through a brief loving-kindness practice, but one that is centered on the self.

  • Various studies, including research by Kristen herself,

  • show that regardless of age and gender, being kind to oneself is connected to less anxiety,

  • depression, and stress, and it can make us feel more resilient, motivated, and feel compassionate towards others.

  • When you're ready, here's Kristen.