Science & Learning Center
Sol Lumen is informed and inspired by decades of research on wellbeing, reflection, and human connection. These are some of the studies, books, podcasts, and organizations that shape our thinking — gathered here for your own exploring. The organizations, authors, and podcasts listed are independent and have not reviewed or endorsed Sol Lumen.
Harvard Health Publishing · September 2024
A plain-language look at the growing evidence connecting a gratitude practice with better health and wellbeing.
GratitudeNational Institutes of Health · NCCIH
The NIH’s careful summary of what the evidence does and does not show about meditation and mindfulness.
Mindfulness & CalmU.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory · 2023
The landmark advisory on why social connection is a public-health priority.
ConnectionAPA Monitor on Psychology · January/February 2026
How psychologists are thinking about AI companionship — its promise and its limits.
Technology & Human ConnectionPeer-reviewed · PMC / NCBI
A peer-reviewed study of AI-assisted journaling — an affirmative case that thoughtful AI support can deepen self-reflection and wellbeing.
Technology & Human ConnectionHoult et al. · PLOS ONE, May 2025
A systematic review finding the strongest effects on wellbeing and positive mood; evidence on stress, anxiety, and physical health is weaker and less consistent.
Reflection & JournalingRobert Waldinger & Marc Schulz
Lessons from the world’s longest study of adult life: good relationships keep us happier and healthier.
ConnectionKristin Neff, PhD
The foundational book on treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
Self-CompassionDacher Keltner, PhD
How everyday wonder — nature, music, moral beauty — quiets the self and opens us to others.
Awe & NatureBrené Brown, PhD
A map of 87 emotions and experiences — language that makes what we feel easier to name.
Reflection & JournalingMargie Lachman, PhD
Thirty years of the MIDUS study reframed: midlife as a season of growth, not decline.
Midlife & GrowthGretchen Rubin
A year-long experiment in what actually makes daily life happier — practical, honest, and warm.
Purpose & MeaningJames W. Pennebaker & Joshua M. Smyth
The foundational research on expressive writing — the science of how putting experiences into words supports health and wellbeing.
Reflection & JournalingGreater Good Science Center · Dacher Keltner
Research-backed practices for a happier life, one episode at a time.
GratitudeDr. Laurie Santos, Yale
The surprising science of what actually makes us happier.
Purpose & MeaningShankar Vedantam
The unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, told through story and science.
Reflection & JournalingAmerican Psychological Association
Conversations with leading psychologists on the science of everyday life.
Mindfulness & CalmDr. Maya Shankar
How people navigate change — and who we become on the other side of it.
Resilience & ChangeMel Robbins
Straight-talking tools for motivation, habits, and getting unstuck.
Resilience & ChangeUC Berkeley
Science-based insights for a meaningful life — research, articles, and practices.
GratitudeHarvard University
Tyler VanderWeele’s five-domain framework: happiness, health, meaning, character, and relationships.
Purpose & MeaningUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
Founded by Richard Davidson to study the science of wellbeing across the lifespan.
Mindfulness & CalmKristin Neff, PhD
Research, guided practices, and self-assessments from the field’s founder.
Self-CompassionNational Institutes of Health
The NIH’s evidence hub for meditation, mindfulness, and integrative wellbeing.
Mindfulness & CalmU.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The federal initiative on the health importance of human connection.
ConnectionThese resources are shared for general learning and inspiration. They describe research that informs Sol Lumen’s thinking — they are not claims about Sol Lumen’s products, and nothing here is medical advice. See our Wellness Disclaimer.