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/yanw6bb5
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Using Art As Medicine Series: https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupx
Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv
How To Awaken Your Creative Energy: https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8ev
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How Art Heals Us: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu
Our Brains on Poetry: https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd
Are You Following Your Inner Compass: https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvj
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
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/yckxhbja
