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We explore water as a resource that not only hydrates, but encourages well-being through connection with all five senses. Hear our guest experience and share how we can incorporate water into our daily lives.
A growing body of research shows that connecting with water through things like sight, sound and touch can have a positive impact on how we feel, how we think and even the state of our bodies. This week, we activate all five senses through the connection with water in hopes of bringing that research into reality. We hear from an environmental psychologist about the many proven benefits of spending time with water, as well as an indigenous researcher about viewing water not just as vital resources, but as relatives in need of protection.
This episode is supported by Tianren Culture, whose vision is “One Wisdom, One Health”. Tianren Culture is a next-generation social platform that acts as a catalyst to promote positive global values and lifestyles.
Practice:
This practice is all about connecting your five senses: taste, sight, sound, touch and smell – all through water. Here are five steps that can help improve your daily routine.
- Taste: Create a daily ritual of drinking water carefully.
- Visualize: Focus on seeing bodies of water in person, virtually, or even in your mind’s eye.
- Sound: Listen to the sound of rain, crashing waves to reduce stress, or a dripping faucet.
- Touch: This can be swimming, showering, even putting your hands in the water
- Smell: Take in the different scents of bodies of water in nature.
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Today’s guests:
TARANEH ARHAMSADR Based in Oakland, Taraneh is a mother of two who has worked in nonprofit communications for over 20 years while also being a part-time blogger. Just under four years ago, she also co-founded Piper + Enza, a media venture dedicated to empowering families on their health journeys through storytelling.
Read more at Taraneh: https://piperandenza.com/our-team/
Read some of Taraneh’s works: https://www.mother.ly/author/taraneh-arhamsadr/
Follow Taraneh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraneharhamsadr/
DR. MATTHEW WHITE is a social psychologist who researches the relationships between natural environments, physical health, and psychological health. White has worked at the European Center for Environment and Human Health for almost 10 years, and is currently continuing his research at the University of Vienna.
Read more about Mathew: https://env-psy.univie.ac.at/about-us/mat-white/
Read more about his research efforts: https://www.ecehh.org/person/dr-mathew-white/
DR. YURIA CELIDWEN is an Indigenous contemplative studies scholar and author of the new book, Furishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations For Collective Well-Being.
Read more about Yuria: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/#about
Follow Yuria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriacelidwen/
Read Yuria’s work on kinship: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.994508/full
Science of Happiness episodes like this one:
The healing effects of experiencing wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/49pkk6eu
How to do good for the environment (and yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx
Experience nature wherever you are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh
Tell us about your experiences or relationship with water and the five senses. Email us at happypod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
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Transcript to come