Humanism is a great social equalizer

I have the same dignity and worth as everyone else... and so do you!

My Humanism – for me – eliminates power differentials. 

Using Humanism  I don’t need to be afraid – all humans are – human – we are all equal.  When you internalize that – the idea that some people are higher up or intimidating - just doesn’t happen – they are human. Just like me.

And yes - I do have an online course to teach you - not only what Humanism is - but how to live your Humanist values fully so you can experience the benefits Humanist thought provides in your daily life.

https://humanistlearning.com/livingmadesimpler1/

How can humanism affect people's lives?

Humanism is a personal philosophy of life that without supernaturalism affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

I can only speak to the benefits I personally received from practicing this philosophy.

1. I feel connected all the time. I am biologically related to all life on earth and chemically related to the universe.
2. Additionally - I view all of humanity as my brothers and sisters and related family. Everyone I meet, I am inclined to like - because I view them as part of my family. The result is I am at ease with people I meet and I don’t live in fear of other people. I just enjoy their company - whoever they are and for whatever length of time I am in their presence. The level of contentedness and connectedness this gives me is - really comforting.
3. I feel satisfied and like I am a success in life, because - most of the time, I live up to my values and ideals and because I feel so connected to people and the universe - I just - feel stupid happy contented bliss - most of the time, even when things aren’t going well. And no - I don’t take drugs - this just appears to be an after effect of feeling so connected.
4. I think my problem solving is improved. By rejection supernaturalism entirely - I can focus on finding practical solutions to my problems. I also don’t spend any time waiting on supernatural interventions. If something is wrong, I need to fix it - because - if I don’t, who else will?
5. I don’t experience interpersonal problems in the same way as other people do - I don’t think. Because I view people as family members, I approach disagreements - not as conflicts, but as disagreements that can be rationally resolved. And because I am not in fight/flight mode with people I disagree with - I just - don’t get into conflicts with people.
6. When people are in conflict with me - I almost never notice it. It’s just not a lens I view interactions through anymore. So - when people are in conflict with me - they end up having a 1 sided fight, because - I don’t fight them. And when I finally do realize that they were trying to get me to fight them - I laugh. Because it’s silly to fight over nothing. And it’s almost always over nothing.

My conclusion is - Humanism helps me to lead a happy fulfilling life that aspires to the greater good of humanity. The effect it has had on my life is extremely positive. So positive, I do believe it is a superior way of living.

If you want to learn more about Humanist life skills and approach - consider taking my living made simpler course: https://humanistlearning.com/livingmadesimpler1/

Or get my book: The Humanist Approach to Happiness - https://humanistlearning.com/the-humanist-approach-to-happiness-book/

Lacking Structure?

Finding a clear path to take on the road of life isn’t always easy. At some point we all find ourselves lost. We find ourselves at a crossroads and we don’t know which path to take. Which way will help us to be happy and to thrive?

People struggle with whether to stay in less than ideal relationships or whether to cut their losses and run. They struggle with finding a job and knowing which jobs to apply for and should they take this job when the job they really want is a possibility too. Should they stay at their job, get married, have kids, or whatever.

We all have decisions to make and some have huge consequences for us. The reason I teach applied Humanism is because it provides a solid ethical foundation on which to make those decisions.

The reason certain decisions are so hard to make is because there are no guarantees in life. And that’s ok. As a Humanist I accept that there is no supernatural force conspiring to help me. I understand and accept this reality as part of my life philosophy and it affects how I approach my life.

Henry David Thoreau once said, “The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think is right.”

I love this quote because it reminds me in those moments I am making difficult decisions, that all I can ever do is what I think is right, in that moment! And that’s key. If in the future I learn that I made a mistake, I can always choose another path.  My future is not set in stone. I can create and recreate my future as often as I need to. And I have.

Knowing what you really want to accomplish in life is half the battle. The other half is being willing to make the best decisions you have in the moment, with the incomplete information you have in the moment. Is it scary? Yes. Will you always be right? No. But if you make an effort to make good decisions, your outcomes are bound to be more good than bad.

To learn more – consider take Planning for Personal Success! A Humanist Approach with Jennifer Hancock. This 1 ½ hour program will help you figure out what your ultimate good is and how to make better decisions so that you can live life fully and intentionally.

Key character building traits

How self-reflection can help you to be a better person.

Socrates once said, “The unexamined life isn’t worth living” Ever wonder what he meant by that?  For me, I know that it is through reflection that I am able to set goals, decide on my morals and realign my goals to my moral objectives in life. As a result, I am happier and more productive than if I just floated through life hoping for the best.

Self-reflection, to me, is an essential Humanist life skill. But if you’ve never done it before, how should you get started?  I’m glad you asked. Kelly Bear, who provides character education and anti-bullying educator for school children, has an excellent list of character thoughts to ponder.  (see: 52 character thoughts http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip52.html?goback=%2Egde_1874438_member_239847139)

Now, you might be wondering WHY I am providing a list of thoughts for children to think about here for you, since if you are reading this, you are most likely an adult.  The reason is because these are good things to think about for anyone. Age doesn’t matter. What matters is how you think.

If you took one of the 52 character thoughts and pondered one every week for a year and tried to actively manifest that thought in your actions throughout the week, you would probably be a better person at the end of the year.

You would be living more intentionally and ethically and that would feel pretty good.

So, question time, which is your favorite thought and why?