Musing on the Beatitudes

Why I think the Beatitudes are a wonderful statement of Humanism – despite the religious language.

Here is probably one of the most famous quotes about beatitude:

“Not from earthly riches but from the milk of human kindness comes true beatitude.”
Attributed to St. Gregory of Nyssa, A mystic who lived in Cappadocia in Asia Minor around 380 AD.

I love this quote – because I agree with it. Miriam Webster defines beatitude as “a state of utmost bliss.”  Actively practicing kindness feels really good. In fact, I would say that the above quote is a perfect encapsulation of the Humanist approach to happiness.

Which brings me to – The Beatitudes – which are the 8 blessings Jesus gave during his Sermon on the Mount.  What you will notice is that – Jesus sounds A LOT like a Humanist – except for his references to God and Heaven and what he thinks will be their rewards.

Basically, he is saying that those who are the most blessed are people who choose to live their lives like the Humanists do. Here me out.

• Blessed are those that are poor in spirit – people who aren’t very religious. Check.
• Blessed are those who mourn – people who feel deep empathy for those who suffer and die. Check
• Blessed are the meek. People who are humble enough to realize they don’t know everything. Check
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Check.
• Blessed are the merciful – people who care enough to help the needy. Check
• Blessed are those who are pure in heart – people who are unstained by guilt or who act morally. Check
• Blessed are the peacemakers – people who seek out compassion based solutions instead of fighting all the time. Check
• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Given how often Humanists are attacked for standing up for the poor, truth and for advocating for peace – yeah – Check. 

If you were to describe the values a Humanist holds dear – this is a pretty darned good list. And, I can tell you from personal experience – that practicing these character traits does indeed leave to high levels of beatitude in your life.

So live life as Jesus wanted you to – like a Humanist.

Strategies for Humanist Living

Discussions about how Humanists can best live our lives.

One of the cool parts about my job is that I have inspired others to ask questions about what it means to live life as a Humanist. In one Humanist Community in OH they started having discussions about this topic and decided to post the results of their discussions online. In a 10 part Strategies for Humanist Living they discuss:

1. How to describe your way of thinking - http://www.hcco.org/node/178
2. How to encourage critical thinking in others - http://www.hcco.org/node/181
3. How to advocate for reasonableness and compassion - http://www.hcco.org/node/182
4. How can you tell if someone is a humanist - http://www.hcco.org/node/185
5. What art and entertainment reflects a Humanist worldview - http://www.hcco.org/node/186
6. What do you say when someone says bless you or have a blessed day? http://www.hcco.org/node/189
7. How to deal with an overtly obnoxious religious person in the workplace - http://www.hcco.org/node/191
8. What comfort does Humanism provide when dealing with rejection - http://www.hcco.org/node/194
9. What should children be taught about religion? http://www.hcco.org/node/197
10. How does having a community of Humanists help? http://www.hcco.org/node/201

What a great exercise in humanist thinking. Do you agree with their answers? If not, why not?

10 Happiness Tips

10 things scientists have learned about the science of happiness.

It isn’t so much that I doubt that there is an afterlife (though I’m pretty sure this life is all I get), it is more that even if there is an afterlife, if I don’t live this life fully, what business do I have wishing for another one. The way I see it, even if there is an afterlife, I should still do this life justice by living it fully and happily. 

This is a recurring theme for pretty much every Humanist I have ever met. We are pretty convinced this life is all we get so we aren’t going to waste it. We are going to embrace it and experience it fully.

The real question is, how to make the best of it. Life is hard and difficult. How do we keep from falling into despair? More importantly, how do we appreciate and find happiness with our life, such as it is. 

It turns out that scientists have turned their attention to the topic of happiness and what contributes to happiness. Humanists are inclined to favor a scientific viewpoint as at least having some research and evidence for it. Yes! published a list of 10 things scientists say will help make you happy: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/sustainable-happiness/10-things-science-says-will-make-you  I love this list as it reflect quite a bit of what I teach. It’s always nice when science backs you up.

For those of you who don’t like to click through the links – here is what the list is

1. Savor the moment. Not all the time, but make sure to take the time now and again to pause and appreciate what is happening or reflect on the little things that bring you joy.  Happiness is something that occurs during reflection so this is important.
2. Avoid comparing yourself to others. I write about this in my book The Humanist Approach to Happiness. Don’t keep up with the Joneses. You will go broke trying and you can’t buy happiness anyway.
3. Value something other than money. Money is important but if you judge your self-worth through what you own, your self-worth is very shallow. Have more depth to who you are and how you define yourself.
4. Goals: Having something to work towards is essential. Doesn’t matter what it is, just have something you are working towards. It will give you a reason to get up in the morning.
5. Initiative – Taking responsibility to get things done feels good. Take the initiative, don’t wait for others to take the lead.
6. Relationships – we are social animals and we need other people to feel secure. Nurture close relationships and treat them well. A bunch of shallow friends don’t give you the same benefits that close friends and family do.
7. Smile: Even when you are feeling down, if you take the time to think of something positive you can refocus your energy into doing something productive to fix your problem, which is way better than wallowing endlessly.
8. Gratitude: Feelings of happiness occur most often during reflection. By reflecting on those things that you are grateful for, you a) remind yourself of what is positive in your life and you give yourself an opportunity to feel happy at the same time.
9. Exercise – health benefits, feel good endorphins, a sense of accomplishment that you actually got your fat ass off the couch – yeah – use your body for good. Get out an exercise.
10. Altruism – Volunteer, donate, make it a habit and a practice. Getting what is known as a helper’s high is well worth it.

What do you to do experience more happiness in your life? Do you have any rituals? Any simple task that you find joy in? Do you agree with this list?