# Happiness Break: A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105/happiness-break-a-meditation-for-connecting-in-polarized-times
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105/happiness-break-a-meditation-for-connecting-in-polarized-times.md
Podcast: [The Science of Happiness](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105)
Published: 2026-03-05T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_192_3abe4d32-dc95-452d-afed-dfeaf7b0dfd0&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FTheScienceOfHappiness
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/tracking.swap.fm/track/sblTq32fyWAjsHzze2LG/mgln.ai/e/48/dovetail.prxu.org/192/3abe4d32-dc95-452d-afed-dfeaf7b0dfd0/SoH_HB_Curiosity_mix_4.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-science-of-happiness-439105/episodes/happiness-break-a-meditation-for-connecting-in-polarized-times
Duration seconds: 512

## Resource

Having a curious approach to life can improve our mood, creativity and relationships. Scott Shigeoka leads a visualization exercise to help you approach someone you might disagree with with an open and curious mind. How To Do This Practice: Ground Yourself: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take three slow, deep breaths, noticing the sensation of each inhale and exhale. Let your body begin to settle. Picture the Conversation: Bring to mind an upcoming interaction that may feel challenging and visualize where it’s happening and what the setting looks like. See yourself arriving there. Lead with Curiosity: Imagine yourself speaking with a calm, open tone and asking thoughtful, genuine questions. Picture your body language expressing interest and care. See It Going Well: Visualize the other person responding positively—softening, engaging, or opening up. Notice how connection feels in your body. Rehearse the Hard Moment: Imagine a tense moment arising and observe what happens inside you without reacting. See yourself choosing a curious question instead of a defensive response. Close with Intention: Picture the conversation ending with appreciation and mutual respect. Take three more slow breaths, then gently open your eyes. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Happiness Break Guide: SCOTT SHIGEOKA is an author and storyteller who focuses on themes of curiosity and well-being. Learn More About Scott’s work here: https://tinyurl.com/y5xyxky7 Related Happiness Break episodes: Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5 Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhx A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy: https://tinyurl.com/4utrkyh5 Related Science of Happiness episodes: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds…

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