The things we value can easily fade into the background when they become familiar.
Eric Weiner joins Dr. Laurie Santos to explore what Henry David Thoreau’s approach to attention can teach us about noticing the wonderful things already around us.
The conversation looks at how slowing down, loosening our expectations, and approaching ordinary surroundings differently can help the familiar feel new again.
Key Takeaways:
- Slow down before deciding what you see: Expectations can prevent us from noticing what is actually in front of us.
- Find beauty in ordinary places: Wonder doesn’t necessarily require going somewhere extraordinary.
- Change your perspective: A small shift in how or where we look can make the familiar feel different.
- Try a “saunter”: A less purposeful, more playful walk can invite a different kind of attention.
The Happiness Lab explores the latest scientific research and shares surprising and inspiring stories that challenge how we think about happiness. New episodes usually air every Monday.
