The world feels louder, sharper, and more divided every day. Our nervous systems are wired to notice threat, and it’s easy to slip into an “us versus them” mindset without even realizing it. But disconnection comes at a cost to our health, our joy, and our shared humanity.

In this episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, Dr. Sarah Ratekin explores the ever-growing need for connection in a world that often seems determined to pull us apart. Blending neuroscience, storytelling, and the guiding values of The Happiness Haven, Sarah offers both deep reflection and practical tools for staying grounded: gratitude pauses, soft-hearted breath, asking for stories instead of debates, finding joy together, and joining in communal rituals.

Through parables and lived examples, we remember that connection isn’t just a comfort, it’s sacred practice. It’s the way we reclaim our equilibrium and remind ourselves that we belong to one another.

Whether you’re feeling weary from the news cycle, frustrated by fractured relationships, or simply longing for more ease in your daily life, this episode is an invitation to breathe deeply, connect bravely, and stitch yourself back into the quilt of community.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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In this episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, Dr. Sarah explores the radiance of gratitude as a guiding star in our lives. Through storytelling, neuroscience, and practical reflection, she unpacks why our modern “villages” feel overwhelming, how gratitude reshapes the brain and calms the nervous system, and why meaningful connections matter more than ever.

You’ll hear a childhood story about community care, a lesson from Disney’s Wish, and strategies for weaving gratitude into daily life through The Happiness Haven’s Five Pillars: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

Gratitude is not a wish waiting for permission. It is a star we already carry. Together, let’s learn how to map constellations that guide us home.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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What if true power isn’t found in titles, wealth, or influence, but in the steady rhythm of our everyday choices? In this episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, the Reverend Dr. Sarah Ratekin explores how small acts of gratitude, service, and community presence can become a current strong enough to carve stone.

Through story, reflection, and even a little neuroscience, Sarah invites us to see ourselves not as single drops evaporating alone, but as part of a mighty river, one that shapes culture, strengthens connection, and creates lasting change.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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What if laughter isn’t just entertainment, but a sacred practice? In this episode of The Happiness Haven Podcast, Dr. Sarah Ratekin explores the healing power of humor, play, and celebration. From her distaste for stiff icebreakers like Two Truths and a Lie to the magic of leading a Laughter Yoga session with her partner Kris, the Giggle Gladiator, Sarah shares how laughter shifts energy, builds connection, and opens us to joy.

Join us as we uncover why laughter is more than noise, it’s medicine, resilience, and prayer in disguise. Expect stories, science, and a reminder that joy is worth fighting for.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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Ever feel like you’re living beside yourself instead of inside your life?
In this gentle episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, Dr. Sarah Ratekin explores the quiet, sacred work of coming home to yourself. Through real stories, neuroscience, and practical reconnection tools, you’ll learn why presence, not perfection, is the path back to wholeness.

If you’ve been drifting, distracted, or just plain tired, this episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and begin again. No retreats or reinventions required, just small moments of truth, layered with love.Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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Ever feel stuck in a version of yourself that no longer fits? In this episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, Dr. Sarah Ratekin offers a powerful reframe: changing your mind isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.

Explore the neuroscience of growth, hear the moving story of a teacher who followed his heart, and discover how giving yourself permission to pivot might just be the most courageous choice of all. This is your invitation to let evolution feel like grace, not guilt.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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In a world that demands so much of our light, how do we stay luminous without running ourselves ragged? In this heartfelt episode of Inside the Happiness Haven, Dr. Sarah Ratekin explores the art of sustainable leadership, emotional generosity, and presence. You’ll hear stories of burnout and redemption, plus neuroscience-backed tips and soulful practices to help you protect your glow and share it wisely.

Whether you’re a caretaker, leader, or light-holder in your community, this episode is your reminder: you’re not the only flame, and you don’t have to shine alone.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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What if the in-between wasn’t a mistake, but the most sacred part of becoming? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ratekin invites you to slow down, breathe through the discomfort of uncertainty, and embrace the messy middle with curiosity and grace.

With a little brain science (yes, we’re making smart stuff sexy again), stories, and reflection prompts, you'll learn why transitions feel so hard, and why they matter so much. You’re not lost. You’re becoming. And you belong right here.

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappinesshaven.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information and to connect with a growing community of people looking for some of the same things: Gratitude, Connection, Growth, Service, and Joyful Presence.

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