Magic: Wild and Precious Meanderings

Welcome to another episode of Wild and Precious Conversations. This week, I introduce you to the FREE Science of Well Being class taught through Cousera by Dr. Laurie Santos at Yale. This week, I think Dr. Laurie Santos’ Yale course was on my mind as I contemplated Magic vs Science. I took her “Happiness Class” a few years ago when my family needed, frankly, a reminder of what happiness was. I think that is what was behind my thesis that emotional fitness ain’t Magic — It’s science. And kinda boring science, too. The podcast episode is admittedly a bit meandering this week but the gist is that the Wellness Industry was worth 3.72 TRILLION dollars back in 2015. Clearly, there is nothing wrong with spending money on things like a spa vacation, or a beautiful serene home. Clearly, there are people who can’t afford even basic things and struggle to feed their children and stay warm in winter. Between those extremes, many of us eek out our lives trying to get more emotionally fit — more emotionally well. We occasionally splurge on expensive solutions to our wellness deficit, buying a program or spa package or fitness thingy when, really, that is all smoke and mirrors or snake oi. Speaking of snake oil…have you ever wondered where that term came from? Turns out, there’s a bit of truth to it but, like many things, the medicine got diluted over time and when money started changing hands… Turns out, the best ways to become more emotionally it, achieve wellness as it were, are the following: * Practice what you are good at. * Savor your life — Notice things like your bare feet on the floor, the fact that you have hot water, the feeling of snow on your face. * Practice gratitude * Kindness for others * Stay socially connected * Exercise * Sleep well * Meditate * Carve out time These are all things that are taught in Dr. Laurie Santos’ free class, by the way… Notes: * Wild and Precious Courses. — The Self Care Course Gives much more detail on the steps to take in order to fully feel all your emotions in a healthy way. * Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash * The Science of Well Being — Dr. Laurie Santos’ course on happiness. * What Wellness is * Best Self Care is Kindness to Others * True Story of Snake Oil Onward. I have changed course a bit and we are moving into magic. The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong! And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit underbelly.substack.com/subscribe