Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process

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. Her debut novel, The Catch, comes out June 3rd. Learn more about Yrsa here: https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/ Pre-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: Our Brains on Poetry: https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd How Art Heals Us: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu 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/234u5ds7