Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen leads a grounding practice in nature, connecting to the Earth. Topics covered include benefits of grounding, calming effects of nature, and enhancing feelings of restoration. Dr. Celidwen, of Nahua and Maya descent, also works at the United Nations to advance Indigenous peoples' rights and the Earth.
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insights INSIGHT
Nature Shapes Body And Social Mind
Nature calms physiology and supports prosocial behavior like generosity and cooperation.
Keltner summarizes research: nature lowers cortisol, elevates vagal tone, and even reduces ideological polarization.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Practice Grounding Barefoot In Nature
Do this grounding practice outside with bare feet on natural ground to deepen its calming effects.
Dacher Keltner cites a University of Exeter study where walking barefoot on the beach increased restoration and connectedness versus wearing shoes.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Opening With Ancestral Land Acknowledgement
Dr. Yuria Celidwen opens by naming and honoring the occupied territories of the Huichun to challenge cultural erasure.
She frames stating indigenous languages as a practice to create belonging and care for Earth systems and communities.
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If possible, go outside and find some natural ground, like grass or dirt. If you're wearing shoes or socks, take them off and place the soles of your feet directly on the ground.
Bring your attention to the earth beneath you. Allow it to hold you, paying attention to how it feels — soft, firm, reliable. Imagine you're starting to grow roots from the tip of your toes, digging deep into the earth.
Visualize energy and wellness flowing through your roots to your toes, into the soles of your feet, your thighs and knees, then base of the spine and upwards into your chest, expanding the whole center of your chest. Take a full, deep breath and contemplate the openness you feel in your chest.
Look up towards the sky and open your eyes, allowing all of your senses to awaken to the sounds, smells, colors, and life around you. Feel their presence.
Today’s Happiness Break host: Dr. Yuria Celidwen is an Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and contemplative science scholar of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent. She also works at the United Nations to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples and the Earth. Learn more about Dr. Celidwen’s work: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/
More resources from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center:
Listen to Dr. Yuria Celidwen on The Science of Happiness episode about listening to your elders: https://tinyurl.com/yr2ydk43
Listen to The Science of Happiness episode featuring podcast host Krista Tippett, on Being Grounded in Your Body: https://tinyurl.com/8t7rr4yy
Tell us about your grounding practice experience! Direct message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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