The Science of Synchronized Movement
\nMoving in sync with someone else \u2014 even a total stranger \u2014 can change how you feel about them, and how you act, without you realizing it.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2baf5v3u
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Episode summary:
\n\nWhen was the last time you moved in sync with someone else? Dancing, exercising, even just walking in step \u2014\xa0for some, it comes easily, for others, it\u2019s a challenge. But can moving to the same beat make all of us kinder to one another? This week, our guest Chris Duffy steps out of his comfort zone to try a practice in Body Music, rhythmically making sounds just by tapping your body, with body percussionist Keith Terry. Later, we learn how tapping in sync with someone else tricks you into thinking you have more in common with them, and can make you more inclined to help them.
\n\nPractice:
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To start, stand up. Clap your hands together in front of your chest, then tap your left palm to your right chest, then right hand to your left chest. Repeat at a steady cadence.
\nNext, cap your hands together in front of your chest, then tap your left hand to your right chest, then right hand to your left chest, the right hand to top of your right thigh, then left hand to left thigh. Repeat at a steady cadence.
\nYou can add on by tapping your right hand to your right buttocks and left hand to left buttocks after you finish tapping both thighs in step 2. Repeat (including all of step 2) at a steady cadence.
\nTo add even more complexity, stomp each foot one at a time after completing all of step 3. Repeat at a steady cadence.
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Check out a video of body percussionist Keith Terry performing this practice (and try it with a friend!):
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Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nChris Duffy is a comedian, writer, and host of the TED podcast How to Be A Better Human.
\n\nListen to Chris\u2019s podcast, How to Be a Better Human: https://tinyurl.com/bdey9pm5
\n\nFollow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisiduffy/
\n\nFollow Chris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopheriduffy
\n\nCheck out Chris\u2019s comedy: https://chrisduffycomedy.com/videos
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Keith Terry is a body percussionist and creator of the Body Music practice Chris tried today.
\n\nLearn more about Keith\u2019s work: https://crosspulse.com/keith-terry/
\n\nCheck out one of Keith\u2019s original compositions: https://tinyurl.com/ybhweyux
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Piercarlo Valdesolo \xa0is a psychologist and Chair of Psychological Science at Claremont McKenna College in California.
\n\nLearn more about Piercarolo\u2019s work: http://www.valdesolo.com/
\n\nCheck out the Moral Emotions and Trust Lab: http://www.valdesolo.com/meat-lab
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Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\n\nHow Music Bonds Us Together https://tinyurl.com/329scmf6
\n\nTo Resolve Conflicts, Get Up and Move https://tinyurl.com/bdf6zswn
\n\nFive Ways Music Can Make You a Better Person https://tinyurl.com/mwa22r8m
\n\nHow to Train the Compassionate Brain https://tinyurl.com/32nbuh94
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More Resources on Synchronized Movement
\n\nPRX - Body Music with Keith Terry https://tinyurl.com/2p8tz5j3
\n\nScientific American - Moving in Sync Creates Surprising Social Bonds among People https://tinyurl.com/3y3ahfa3
\n\nOxford University - Let\u2019s dance: synchronised movement helps us tolerate pain and foster friendship\xa0 https://tinyurl.com/c8tvrmdx
\n\nScience Daily - Social Synchronicity https://tinyurl.com/4mzvahe
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Tell us about your experiences and struggles with body music or moving in sync. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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