The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

Join me as I take a breath and start off the episode by making the power statement that "I am the Mitochondria" to help me sing a debut song to set the scene about how hard it is for parents to make a radical choice to practice self-care while living in an Age of Anxiety.  In this episode, I showcase a book by Ann Douglas called "Happy Parents Happy Kids" where she talks about the importance of self-compassion and self-care for parents as they struggle with a world of "Total Work" (Josef Pieper, 1950) and the "technoference" of mobile technology that is resulting in a generation of distracted parents.  I think this book could be the centre-piece for a book club where parents could come together, create a community, and support one another. 

Showcase Resource:

1) Happy Parents Happy Kids: I got my copy of the book at my local library but if it is not available here is the link at Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Parents-Kids-Ann-Douglas/dp/1443425753/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RY3WFQT3IE0E&keywords=happy+parents+happy+kids&qid=1554063667&s=gateway&sprefix=Happy+Paren%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1 

Other Resources Mentioned:

1) To watch the short clip about yearning click the link attached below. Note, I made a mistake; the scene with George included Kramer and not Jerry.  Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERsI3twlu34

2) If you are interested in reading the Rebel by Camus to explore humanities yearning for unity, head down to your local library or get it at Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rebel-Essay-Man-Revolt/dp/0679733841/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BKEYR8BU808D&keywords=camus+the+rebel&qid=1554055807&s=gateway&sprefix=Camus+%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

3) To watch Gabor Mate talk about his book, "Hold On To Your Kids," click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_akH6Cin6E

Additional Information:

1) The power statement, "I am the Mitochondria" is a playful Hopeful Humanist creation.  Just like the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, one can be the powerhouse of one's self.  Talk about breathing life into one's day.  

2) The term "GIG-a-lo" is not intended to be offensive.  It is an attempt to draw attention to the challenges young people have finding full-time work in our unfolding jobless economy also dubbed the "GIG economy." Instead of regular jobs with benefits, young people are chasing financial security by moving from GIG to GIG.  Also, I should note that I sense the rhythm of my debut song "Nothing But" is borrowed from another song that I cannot place at this time but once it is brought to my attention, I will provide the necessary reference and acknowledgement.  

Peace and Take Care

Welcome to another episode of the Hopeful Humanist Cafe. Happiness is a life-long process that is definitely possible, BUT it requires happiness-work or what others call soul-work.  What should a curriculum for discussion look like for our youth.  In this episode I will offer six possible topics of discussion to explore during dinner conversation for the youth in your family.  

Show Case Resources:

1) Check-out lecture 16 of Tal Ben Shahar's Positive Psychology Harvard course.  The conversation relevant to this episode starts at the 32 minute mark.  I believe there would be great benefit listening to his entire series as he addresses a number of relevant topics to happiness including goal-setting, how to build self-esteem, creating healthy relationships, and strategies to unite the mind and body.  In lecture 16, 17, and 18, Tal Ben Shahar talks about the importance of exercise for happiness as it is a powerful antidote against depression.  Here is the link to lecture 16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9l41JvdB_I&t=2153s

2) Check-out the Purpose Challenge and explore activities to discover strengths and reflect upon the benefits of a purpose-driven life.  It is a great resource specifically for teens getting ready to get their bearings and start to claim their lives.  Here is the link: http://www.purposechallenge.org/toolkit/?activity=day-1/activity-1#

3) Need to relax, stretch, and be? Let me introduce you to Yoga with Adrian at https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene. Action speaks volumes.  Just don't talk about the importance of exercise and mindfulness with your young person - Role Model self-care as it is an investment that pay back in dividends.

Thanks for joining me for another tip of the ice-burg conversation.  Peace and take care.  

In Episode 16, we are going to re-examine our relationship with boredom.  At first, I thought that "There is not enough time to be bored," but perhaps the real question should be "What is the cost of never being bored?"  In this tip-of-the-iceberg conversation, I have compiled a lot of links in the show notes below all worth a perusal, but I would like to highlight ¨60 productive websites to spend on when your bored¨ at http://inspirationfeed.com/time-is-money-60-productive-websites-to-spend-time-on-when-youre-bored/ and ¨The Scientific Benefits of Boredom at https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=LKPwKFigF8U.  Remember, if you feel bored, ¨Don´t panic; Boredom is just an invitation for Self-Discovery.¨ So take some time to just be so you can Explore, Expand, and Become your most authentic self.  Peace and take care.

Other Links:

1. Check-out these two Ted Talks about boredom: 1) A Source of Inspiration by Hans Wilhelm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIUgPBysis and 2) The Value of Boredom by Genevieve Bell at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps_YUElM2EQ
2. Here are a couple of article to read. The first, called "Adolescent Boredom," explores two different kinds of boredom (Emptiness and Entrapment) at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201408/adolescent-boredom and the second, called "'It's like a little trigger': The surprising benefits of boredom," will shed some light on Facebocrastination at https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/boredom-benefits-1.3860655. 
3. Check-out this short segment from the Joe Rogan Experience and discover what Sam Harris has to say about re-framing boredom at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_5e-O2hk3M. 
4. Read this article about the idea that we have lost the ability to sit silently at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/have-we-lost-our-ability-to-sit-quietly/. 
5. Sometimes animation captures best the essence of a big conversation. I think this video called ¨Alike¨” does a great job at exploring the ¨boring¨ nature of the adult world (club) that youth are constantly being encouraged to join.  Perhaps this is an example of a form of boredom as being both empty and entrapping. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDHIyrfMl_U. What do you think?

Salutations and season greetings!  Episode 15 is an invitation to join me, The Hopeful Humanist, in a year end review as the Hopeful Humanist Cafe turns one year old so that we "Don't forget what we know."  With some foundational thoughts in place, we can then think about creating a vision for a happier life as we step into 2019.  In this episode, I will showcase two resources related to my vision board and offer some suggestions about some things to read for your self-directed wellness curriculum for the upcoming year. 

Showcase Resources:

1) Want to create a vision board or dream board as you move into 2019? Check-out the Ted Talk called "Draw your life" by Patti Dobrowolski at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zESeeaFDVSw&t=317s

2) Interested in learning a second language for a future family sabbatical or just out of a desire to learn to see the world through a different lense? Check-out this link: https://www.duolingo.com/

Other helpful links:

1) What are Gardner's different kind of intelligences? Visit the following link at: https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161

2) Check-out some inspiring family travel blogs that could inspire you to set out and tour the world at https://r-login.wordpress.com/remote-login.php?action=auth&host=redtri.com&id=45477576&back=http%3A%2F%2Fredtri.com%2Ftop-family-travel-blogs%2F&h=

A few suggestions for your 2019 reading list about the Absurd:

1) Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis - try your local library first or buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Fifteen-Dogs-Andre-Alexis/dp/1552453057/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545947787&sr=8-1&keywords=fifteen+dogs

2) The Shoe on the Roof by Will Ferguson - try your local library or buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Shoe-Roof-Will-Ferguson/dp/1501173588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545947942&sr=8-1&keywords=the+shoe+on+the+roof+by+will+ferguson

3) The Road Warriors: A Journey Back In Time, a short story by Sean Toland at this link: http://thefontjournal.com/the-road-warriors-a-journey-back-in-time/

All the best in the New Year & Peace Out Panda 

Welcome to another "Just Some Guy" production of the Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  This episode we are exploring the importance of creativity to happiness and showcasing the resource called Anchor where you can learn about the easiest way to start a podcast.  For me, The Hopeful Humanist, the essence of micro-podcasting can best be described as "optimistically creative and helpful brevity" that is a "cup of tea in length."  Maybe it is time for you to find your voice and creatively express yourself by creating your own podcast. Check-out the resources below:

Showcase Resource: Anchor at https://anchor.fm

Research on the link between creativity and happiness

1) Go to healthypsych and read this article called "The Link between Creativity and Happiness at https://healthypsych.com/the-link-between-creativity-and-happiness/

2) Read about the five benefits of creativity by reading the article "Is There a Link Between Creativity and Happiness? Why Creativity Makes You Happier" at https://deltadiscoverycenter.com/link-between-creativity-happiness-creativity/

Additional Resources:

1) What to know how many podcasts are out there then follow these two  links: a) https://www.fastcompany.com/40563318/apples-podcasts-just-topped-50-billion-all-time-downloads-and-streams

b) https://www.podcastinsights.com/podcast-statistics/

2) Need to re-think your philosophy on time management watch the Ted Talk at this link: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/november-18-2018-the-sunday-edition-1.4907270/we-need-to-rethink-our-obsession-with-being-more-productive-1.4908752

Also, checkout my twitterature-novel-in-process called #OffScriptLiving at The Hopeful Humanist Cafe @HopefulCafe.  Peace, for now ...

As relationship is paramount to happiness, one should not overlook the importance of developing the skill of offering a sincere apology to heal any relationship fractures that inevitably unfold in life as we are imperfect souls and sometimes put our foot in our mouth. A great quote to orient this discussion comes from Benjamin Franklin --- "Never give an apology with an excuse" as it rings hollow.  In this episode, I showcase two Ted Talks; the first by Robert M. Gordon called "The power of apology," and the second by Jennifer Thomas called "Getting the last word with apology."  Check them out in addition to a number of additional links that might be worth putting in your spiritual toolbox.

Showcase Resources:

1) Watch Robert M. Gordon as he teaches us about a dose appropriate apology at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7vP01U8qr4

2) Explore the 5 ingredients of an apology with Jennifer Thomas at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiiPNPLWXSM

Additional Resouces:

1) Learn the benefits of an apology at MindTools by going to this link: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/how-to-apologize.htm

2) Discover what makes a good life with Robert Waldinger, the 4th director of the 75 year study by Harvard on human relationships at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI.

3) Explore an example of a bad apology and a good apology at the Modern Relationship Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIIm7yBdUG4.

Lightening the mood resources:

1) Learn how to get offended at Awaken with JP by visiting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-mju_gW3c8

2) Laugh a little with Joey's funny apology on Friends at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIIm7yBdUG4. 

Thanks for tuning into another episode of The Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  Episode 12 explores a resource called Living Room Conversations that provides some helpeful ideas about how one might go about initiating a difficult conversation from one's political affiliation to legalizing marijuana.  Put on your critically reflective lens and listening cap and prepare to get curious about ideas outside of your filter bubble.  

Show Case Resource: https://www.livingroomconversations.org/

Additional Resources:

1) Discover your bias by going to https://www.allsides.com/rate-own-bias

2) Discover the 10 ten tips for Listen First Conversations at http://www.listenfirstproject.org/listenfirstconversations/

3) Interested in learning more about "filter bubbles" listen to this Ted Talk with Joan Blades and John Gables at https://www.ted.com/talks/joan_blades_and_john_gable_free_yourself_from_your_filter_bubbles

Just By The Way Thought

1) Check-out some inspiring thoughts I shared on twitter at #ExploreExpandBecome or #BlitheringThought and join the thread.

2) Interested in learning more about the Canadian Blood Services go to https://blood.ca/en

Welcome to another “Just Some Guy” production at the Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  In episode 11, “Experimenting with Happiness,” I will showcase the “Greater Good Magazine” (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/) webpage where you can listen to a podcast, complete a quiz, or read an article about strategies for creating a meaningful life.  This episode is sponsored by the “Red Dot Tee*,” playfully bringing the experiment of a personal “Say Hello” campaign to the next level.  If you are interested in following the Hopeful Humanist Cafe follow me on Twitter at The Hopeful Humanist Cafe @HopefulCafe.    

Feature Website:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

 Other Resources to check-out:

1. To Learn more about positive psychology listen to Tal Ben Shahar from Harvard at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sEyWefn0Cs&list=PL28D16304BA57DD7E&index=3
2. Interested in taking the free online Yale course called “The Science of Well Being” via Coursera  go to: https://news.yale.edu/2018/02/20/yales-most-popular-class-ever-be-available-coursera
3. Interested in reading the book by Micheal Pollan entitled, “How to change your brain” visit your local library or order it from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Your-Mind-Psychedelics-ebook/dp/B077TCWPKH

*Disclaimer: This podcast has no official sponsors.  All references to episode sponsors are merely acts of playful creativity.  

Interested in participating in a survey on retirement go to my webpage the Happier Quest at https://sites.google.com/s/0Bw0dwzRkyffpcklkSGYtdXdueFU/p/0Bw0dwzRkyffpQmdHX2VLWkNuX2M/edit

Part Two of "Say Hello To The Peace Out Panda Movement" addresses the unfinished business of Part One.  This episode was inspired by a homework challenge assigned by Angela Rolleman during her Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness 2 day workshop.  For more information on her workshop you can go to:http://www.angelarolleman.com/positive-psychology--the-science-of-happiness.html.  During this episode some of the resources identified in Part One are more thoroughly explored. 

Some additional source information to check-out include the following:

1)  https://globalnews.ca/news/3678277/loneliness-even-unhealthier-than-obesity-should-be-a-public-health-priority-researcher/

2) http://andreakihlstedt.com/saying-hello-to-strangers-an-unearned-privilege/

3) Go to your local library to pick up a copy of Johann Hari's book "Lost Connections" or buy it on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.ca/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532049498&sr=8-1&keywords=johann+hari+lost+connections. 

Lastly, a reminder to listeners to visit my website if you are interested in doing an anonymus survey about retirement at:https://sites.google.com/view/self-directedcurriculum/home.  

Did you know 25 to 30% of Canadians struggle with persistent loneliness?  Experiment with a personal "Say Hello" campaign as one small way to stand up to loneliness.  Join the Hopeful Humanist as he shares his personal experience unplugging and saying "hello" to souls in is immediate world and also talks about the inspiration behind the "Peace Out Panda" movement.  The resources highlighted in this episode are: 1) The Simple Cure for Loneliness Ted Talk by Baya Voce at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSXh1YfNyVA and 2) The wikiHow webpage called "4 Ways to Deal with Loneliness at https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Loneliness.  

Other Resources:

1)"Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Saying Hello" at https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/community-voices/article44762559.html

2)"The Power of Hello" at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/science-small-talk/201203/the-power-hello

3)"Why You Should Say Hello to Strangers on the Street" at https:www.citylab.com/equity/2012/06/why-you-should-say-hello-strangers-street/2141/

4) "Loneliness is a significant issue in Canada, says doctor" at http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2018/01/19/health-risk-alone-lonely-canadians/

5) "Loneliness is Canadian seniors an epidemic, says psychologist" at https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-september-20-2016-1.3770103/loneliness-in-canadian-seniors-an-epidemic-says-psychologist-1.3770208

6)"Living with Loneliness" at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/anxiety-files/201702/living-loneliness

More resources to come in Episode 10 "Say 'Hello' To The Peace Out Panda Movement Part 2"