Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice

In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation. Mindfulness and meditation teacher Criss Cuervo invites you to reflect on your history, heritage, and connection to your ancestors.
How To Do This Practice:

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Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, either on a cushion or chair. Gently lower your gaze or close your eyes if that feels comfortable.

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Focus on Your Breath: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Allow yourself to transition from your daily activities into this moment of reflection.

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Acknowledge Your Accent: Bring awareness to the way you speak, recognizing that your voice carries your history, culture, and personal journey.

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Repeat Self-Compassion Phrases: Silently or aloud, repeat affirmations such as, “my accent makes me unique,” “my accent carries my story,” “my accent connects me to my ancestors.”

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Place a Hand on Your Heart: If it feels right, gently place a hand on your heart, offering yourself warmth and kindness as you continue to breathe deeply.

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Close with Gratitude: Take a final deep breath, sending appreciation to yourself, your ancestors, and the uniqueness of your voice before gently opening your eyes.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
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Today’s Happiness Break Guide:
CRISS CUERVO is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, Bridging Differences Coordinator at the Greater Good Science Center, and author of PERTENÆCER: Eight-Week Mindfulness and Meditation Training and Practices for Latinx Immigrants in the United.
Learn more about Criss Cuervo here: tinyurl.com/4npjwn6m
Read her book here: tinyurl.com/3byby84b
Related Happiness Break episodes:
A Meditation on Original Love: tinyurl.com/5u298cv4
Loving Kindness Meditation: tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod (instagram.com/scienceofhappinesspod)
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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Transcription: tinyurl.com/5fdce47a