The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

Episode 33 - How to prepare for a counseling/therapy session

In this episode (#33), we start off with a "germ-free" couple of clips from Danielson and then switch the discussion to explore four things a person might do to prepare for one's first ever therapy session.  

The orienting framework includes the following:

1) T-shirt Idea: "Explore, Expand, Become"

2) A moment of free-association: Attitude, Awareness, Attention; Self-Compassion, Patience, Acceptance

3) Quote: "The Perfect is the enemy of the good" - and is explained by Danielson

4) Words of the Day: Cathartic & Process

5) Danielson's re-crafting of the Novel First Sentence he shared in Episode 29:  "The mirror conjured a new testimony of age: evidence of a deeper parenthesized mouth that launched a regret-flavoured reverie as he scrutinized his altered face."

Home Work Resources:

1. Learn about the "Stages of Change" by clicking this PowerPoint presentation at the CAMH website by clicking here - http://www.camhx.ca/education/online_courses_webinars/mha101/stagesofchange/Stages_of_Change_.htm
2. Again, by visiting CAMH, recognize the power of "Standing up to Stigma" - http://www.camhx.ca/education/online_courses_webinars/mha101/stigma/Stigma_.htm

Wondering, "What is therapy?" Visit - 

1. Check out what therapy is all about at Crash Course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nEL44QkL9w
2. Interested in what the research says in answer to the question "Does Psychotherapy Work?" Go to SciShow Psych at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44e8gpA7fk

Interesting Reading Material:

1.  Quotes about therapy by therapists - https://positivepsychology.com/best-therapy-quotes/
2. A revised response by David Byrne (former lead singer of Talking Heads) to the dialoguing memes between Huxley and Talking Heads: Huxley - "It's a brave new world out there."  David Byrne - "Yeah, life goes on."  Read David's recent article, "The World is Changing - So Can We" at: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-world-is-changing-so-can-we/
3. Check out Danielson's short essay about the covid-19 crisis available on GoodReads called “Pandemic Lessons from Albert Camus” - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2943385953

Listeners can now access the Hopeful Humanist Cafe on YouTube.  Please subscribe and share cool resources in the comment section.  

Be well & take care!

Episode 32 - An Imaginative (naive?) Glimpse into a Post-Covid-19, 2030 World Featuring Janus and Sparky

In this episode, I share an imaginative glimpse I had looking forward to the early years of 2030 when the 8, 9 and 10 (Generation Alpha) years old of today get ready to be "Alphas at the Helm" of tomorrow.  I am building on the "In-the-Clouds/Nebulous" novel of episode 31.  As a prelude to that moment, let me again turn our attention to the unnamed "Man in the Mirror" from Danielson's novel first sentence of episode 29.  It is March 22, 2020, and his partner asks him, "Will the world ever be 'normal' again?"  Bill, who just turned 50 on March 10, 2020, replies, "It will, but we will forget about it and we won't learn our lessons."  This episode features an interaction between Janus and Sparky who offer a rebuttal to such cynicism. 

With that fictional background in place, my goal for this episode is to provide some helpful resources to stand up to the covid-19 pandemic, some new and some a reminder about things we already know. 

T-shirt Idea for the episode: "Remember, don't forget what you know."

Mantras for the day: "Cooperative Synergy," "This is hard, but we can do hard things," and ... (what says you?)          

Janus’ twitterature novel first sentence tweet: Remember everyone, borders don't stop the spread of viruses.  Welcome to the new global community. Let’’s be proactive in a community-minded way and make good decisions!  

Words of the moment: Toilet paper, masks, pandemic, self-isolating, social distancing, Rubbing alcohol, covid-19, corona virus, planking the curve, quarantine

Showcase Resources

About the Coronavirus:

1) For a coronavirus guide explainer, go to CBC News and click on this article:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/coronavirus-guide-explainer-1.5497009

2) Who would have thought the "off-script" idea of home schooling would be a current reality necessity?  Go to this CBC news link to learn how to talk to your kids about why schools are being closed at:

https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-why-are-schools-being-closed

3) Experts are encouraging us to flatten the curve.  For more click on this article:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-simulation-toronto-1.5497184

4) To explore the dangers of panic buying during an outbreak, again, check out this CBC News link:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/the-trouble-with-panic-buying-during-an-outbreak-1.5498028

5) Here I am including an interview accessible on YouTube by Joe Rogan with Dr. Michael Osterholm that was sent to me by a very close friend at the start of the pandemic.  Attached to the video was his personal sentiment that the corona virus is a "Game Changer."  As events continue to play themselves out, I think there is lots of evidence to support this claim.  Click here for the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZFhjMQrVts

Three "Remember, don't forget what you know" resources:

1) Action for Happiness provides daily tweets of inspiration on Twitter.  Go to the following website to follow or revisit the keys to happiness.  This is the time that we need to use our strengths to get through a domino of challenges.  Click here for hyperlink: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/

2) Don't forget the Greater Good Magazine by UC Berkley where you can access a guide to well-being at https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

3) Last, but not least, visit the Good News Network to laugh by clicking this link https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/jimmy-fallon-hashtags-myquarantineinsixwords/ or listen to a new, inspiring podcast that captures daily news stories about people caring for people during the covid-19 outbreak athttps://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/silver-linings-of-covid-19-episode-3-from-geri-and-anthonys-good-news-podcast-quarantine-edition/.  This last link offers thoughts for cabin fever projects - https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tips-for-making-your-time-at-home-pandemic-positive/

Together, we can not only get through this but also learn some incredible lessons to make the world a better place for one and all --- Steve, The Hopeful Humanist

Episode 31 - Skunks, "Soliloquizing" and "In-the Clouds/Nebulous" Novels

Welcome to another episode of The Hopeful Humanist Cafe, a "Just Some Guy" production by me, Steve, The Hopeful Humanist.  In this episode, after a humourous introductory segment by Woodrow II featuring two silly clips from Captain Jack, I attempt to weave together a novel first sentence from Danielson in Episode 29 and a novel first sentence I shared in Episode 26 (the sentences will be noted below).  With that goal in mind, I would like to invite interested listeners to construct "one's own" novel first sentence to bring to this episode as we will attempt to start the beginning discussion of an "In-the-Clouds/Nebulous" novel.         

Quote for the day: ¨I believe the very purpose of life is to seek happiness. That is clear.¨ The Dalai Lama

T-shirt Idea - "Mad Thinker"

Creativity Challenge:

After constructing your own novel first sentence, attempt to weave it together with the novel first sentences below -

1) Novel First Sentence by Danielson from Episode 29: "The mirror conjured a new testimony of age: evidence of a deeper parenthesized mouth that launched a regret-flavoured reverie as he scrutinized his disturbingly unrecognizable face." 

2) Novel First Sentence by Steve, The Hopeful Humanist from Episode 26: “Janus was a psychonaut who decided to put down his flight plans after a bad trip that woke him up to the dream he had been living.  He realized the real business in life was the spiritual journey and he had been living in bad faith.” 

Novel first paragraph:

.… Janus decided he was going to mindfully co-author the story of his lived experience.  Thirty seconds earlier, he made the life altering choice to change his name to Janus to mark this new beginning. Ironically, from the perspective of any “Other,” the mere passage of 30 seconds would naturally of led anyone to conclude that nothing in fact had changed – he still occupied the same physical space; he was still 25, white; male; 5'6”; Canadian; university educated; homeless; single, and spiritually rudderless.  Still, back then when he was – him, he had everything but nothing; now, he had nothing but everything. His transformation while total but not complete was from the inside out. The exercise of this inherent life-altering agency left Janus feeling content and satisfied. With a Mona Lisa smile, he found himself inclined to just sit in the moment, be, breath, and get out of his head and into the world to open up to the surrounding sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and textures while he waited for Sparky and the others to arrive for open-mike reading night. 

Showcase Resources:

1. To explore more fully the quote of the day from the Dalai Lama, listen click here to listen to the audio version of the book called "The Art of Happiness Part 1: The inner light mastering mind series" at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2akxJSndjA0

About Skunks:

1. Click this YouTube link if you are struggling to get skunks off your property -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DheQbj8_JUQ
2. How to get skunks off your property.  This one does not mention the orange peel strategy above so  I thought I should offer at least two more alternatives to experiment with ways to get skunks off your property. Click here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQwFuKj9I9
3. Another one here at - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGGw2vpea94
4. For some general information about skunks, checkout this YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVlqcrEuGmw&t=70s

As always, this tip of the iceberg conversation is ongoing and continuous.  As Blazing Phoenix shared, "Peace and Take Care Everyone!" 

Episode 30 - Sleep is a Gift You Give Yourself

Salutations!!! Join me, Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, Woodrow II, and Danielson along with all the background sounds of life (I may have gone a little overboard with the sounds of life in this episode?!) as we initiate a tip-of-the-iceberg discussion about some resources accessible on YouTube that might help you get a sweet, slumbering sleep.  The musical intro played by Woodrow II is called "Jazz Blast," by Nancy and Randall Faber. 

T-shirt Idea: "Sleep is a gift you give yourself"

Showcase Resources:

1. Calm Sleep Stories for Adults:
   1. The Nordland Night Train by Erik Braa at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcrcXtjRTTE&t=1204s
   2. Blue Gold by Stephen Fry at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mGifCwig8I
   3. Sacred New Zealand by Jerome Flynn at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4x9ssJ0jfM
2. Sleep Meditation for Kids:
   1. Magic Sleep Tent at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2bQ850rylI
   2. The Sleepy Sloth at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsPo4T3v6dA&t=1566s
   3. The Sleep Train: Destination Dreamland at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BvddFyiLVI
3. Some concussion friendly audio books to help with sleep:
   1. Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice.  Click here to access a link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Making-Space-Creating-Meditation-Practice/dp/193700600X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=making+space+by+Thich+Nhat+Hanh&qid=1583078708&sr=8-1
   2. Self Hypnosis by Lynda Hudson. Click here to access a link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Learn-Self-Hypnosis-Discover-power-within/dp/B071DWNPVL/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Self+hypnosis%3A+Discover+the+power+within+by+Lynda+Hudson&qid=1583078886&sr=8-2
   3. What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam. Click here to access link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/What-Successful-People-Before-Breakfast/dp/B072Q1VVB2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A0QXYN2KE4C7&keywords=what+the+most+successful+people+do+before+breakfast&qid=1583078985&s=books&sprefix=What+the+most+succe%2Caudible%2C187&sr=1-1
4. For some ideas about why we sleep, check out this TED Talk by Russell Foster at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWULB9Aoopc&t=477s

A special thanks to Woodrow II and Danielson for their contributions to this episode. Thank-you for listening.  It is my hope tonight you might have the gift of a restorative, "sweet, slumbering, sleep" (cool, an alliteration!).  Until next time, peace and take care. 

For more on alliterations click here - https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=alliteration#id=3&vid=dddf32db477bbfbc798c850cfe7bbc77&action=click

The Hopeful Humanist

Episode 29 - Captain Jack's Sea Worthy Suggestions and the Schedule Quote-Off

Join me, Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, my oldest son, Woodrow II (his chosen cyber-handle), and my friend and spiritual brother, Captain Jack, for a very cold and brisk winter walk (-3 degrees Celsius feels like -9 and you can hear the chill in my voice) as we pit two quotes against each other for a quote-off about the benefits of schedules.  I would encourage you to go to the Good Reads link provided as the showcase resource and read the quotes before listening to the episode.  In addition to the quote-off, another good friend and spiritual brother, Danielson (his chosen cyber-handle), has offered a thought for the novel first sentence contribution provided below.  

Showcase Resource Link:

 1) Go to goodreads, an on-line book club to discover which book your going to read next.  Click the following link to read a quote about schedules by Wilkie Collins and another by Annie Dillard to discover which quote strikes a cord with you? Click here: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/schedule

Other Ideas:

1)T-shirt Idea for the episode comes from Captain Jack: "Life is too short for BS"

2) Novel First Sentence by Danielson: "The mirror conjured a new testimony of age: evidence of a deeper parenthesized mouth that launched a regret-flavoured reverie as he scrutinized his disturbingly unrecognizable face." 

Special Thanks:

Again, I would like to give a special thanks to my son, Woodrow II, Captain Jack, and Danielson for their contributions to this episode.  The opening musical intro-bit was from a piece called, "Shadows," created by Dennis Alexander (b. 1947) and Martha Mier (b. 1936).

Thank-you for joining me for another blither moment at The Hopeful Humanist Cafe. As always, the conversation is on-going and continuous.  Until next time, peace and take care!

 

Episode 28 - Creating a "Being Day" and Talking to the Universe

In this episode, Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, in another "one take, unedited" discussion will explore the benefit of creating a "Being Day" in an effort to show our commitment to slowing things down in our otherwise busy, fast-paced, hectic lives.  Perhaps, one thing we might do on such a "sacred day" could be to talk to the universe to gain insight for personal wisdom, perseverance for the struggles in life, and communicate about gratitude for this privileged moment." 

Quote for the episode: "In this house, We Do real, We never give up, We hug & kiss, We value & respect, We talk, We laugh, We dream, We love" ... my beautiful wife

T-shirt idea: "Talk to the Universe" 

Showcase Resources:

1) Listen to the audio-book called, "Bartlbey, The Scrivener" by Melville on Youtube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgmpg9P5ZRY&t=2507s

2) Try to find the audio-book "Happiness" by Thich Nhat Hahn at your local library or buy it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.ca/Happiness-Mindfulness-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1888375914/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=Happiness+by+Thich+Nhat+han&qid=1579634107&sr=8-1-fkmr1

 

Read my good friend's review of "Bartleby, The Scrivener" by Melville at Goodreads at this link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3043223656

Journal entry thought: "I am a culmination (small but relevant) of the cosmos - I am the air that I breath, the water that I drink, the food that I eat, the earth that I walk upon, and the sun that shines down upon me -- I and the Universe are One" .... by Steve, The Hopeful Humanist

Thank-you for another neighbourly moment, peace and take care.  Until our next blithering moment!

Episode 27 "Feeding and Extinguishing the Fire of ... Dot, Dot, Dot"

Welcome to another "one-take, unedited episode" of Blithering Thoughts at The Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  With a drum roll, and the hug of a tree, you can construct a rationale for your vision board for the new decade as we step into the "Twenty-Twenties."  The unmentioned T-shirt idea for this episode to usher in the next decade is "Explore, Expand, Become."  

Showcase Resources:

1) Do you feel your time is time well spent?  Go to the following link and scroll down to an enlightening video called "A New Agenda for Tech," by Tristan Harris, the founder of the Centre for Humane Technology for his take on the question - https://humanetech.com/problem/

2) "Happiness" a book by Thich Nhat Hahn - Amazon link: https://www.amazon.ca/Happiness-Mindfulness-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1888375914/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?keywords=happiness+by+thich+nhat+hahn&qid=1578509632&sr=8-1-fkmr3 

-- Go hug a tree

3) "The Happiness Curve" by Jonathon Rauch - Amazon link" https://www.amazon.ca/Happiness-Curve-Life-Better-After/dp/1250078806/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RGPB0TGTO14C&keywords=happiness+curve&qid=1578509814&sprefix=Happiness+cu%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

--- Learn about the formula for happiness: H = S + C + V + Time/Age

Current interesting headlines as we enter the 20-20s:

1) "Precarity, debt and social media:BuzzFeed writer Anne Helen Peterson on the modern brand of burnout "- link: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/why-so-many-of-us-are-hustling-past-exhaustion-1.5028802/precarity-debt-and-social-media-buzzfeed-writer-anne-helen-petersen-on-the-modern-brand-of-burnout-1.5028805

2) "Gen X women are facing a mid-life crisis. This author says we're not taking it seriously" - link: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-jan-6-2020-1.5415939/gen-x-women-are-facing-a-mid-life-crisis-this-author-says-we-re-not-taking-it-seriously-1.5416004

Resolution References

1) Dry January - Check-out the Baroness Von Sketch Show at this CBC link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/dry-january-alcohol-booze-quit-cleanse-1.5402076

2) "The evolution of swearing from 'bloody hell' to the f-bomb" - Want to cut down on swearing  check-out this radio talk for size:https://www.cbc.ca/news/the-evolution-of-swearing-1.5300157

Peace and Take Care 

Episode 26 - Mindfulness is Hard

The new audio content for this episode is available

The “Chop wood, carry water” (An expression I discovered while reading about Buddhism) thing to do when you find yourself unfulfilled and craving for more on the hedonic treadmill that is swirling about in the middle of the hectic rat race called “Life,” is to TRY and bring it back to a mindful breath and just SLOW THINGS DOWN.  Join me, Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, as I talk about how hard it is to be mindful and a hodgepodge of other things like T-shirt ideas and novel first sentences.  This is a one take, unedited experience via my Zoom H1 Handy recorder and my lapel microphone.

Books Referenced:

• Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright – click the following link:

https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Buddhism-True-Philosophy-Enlightenment/dp/1439195455/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17IFF6EJ46PKO&keywords=why+buddhism+is+true&qid=1576161191&sprefix=why+bu%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1

• How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=how+to+change+your+mind+michael+pollan&crid=1WCUK54W0Q1RH&sprefix=how+to+change+%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_14

• I Think Too Much: How to Channel Intrusive Thoughts – A mind that never rests by Christel Petitcollin

https://www.amazon.ca/think-too-much-intrusive-thoughts-ebook/dp/B07Q5Y86K9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14UOEOXZ3OTFF&keywords=i+think+too+much&qid=1576161058&sprefix=I+think+too%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1

Other Showcased Thoughts:

T-shirt Idea linked to the idea of Human Hubris: “The Apex of Evolution; The Crown of Creation – yeah” (An alternative thought could be to change “yeah” to “whatever”).

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yeah - I like pushing the sound feature

Novel First Sentence (From 6 Oct 18 twitterature experiment called, #OffscriptLiving): “Janus was a psychonaut who decided to put down his flight plans after a bad trip that woke him up to the dream he had been living.  He realized the real business in life was the spiritual journey and he had been living in bad faith.” 

Thank-you for joining me for this neighbourly moment.  Try not to fly to close to the sun.

Peace and Take Care

Episode 25 - "THIS THAT THERE" T-shirt & Taking and Making 'Festivus' Your Own

Join me, The Hopeful Humanist, for a blethering trite conversation about the apostrophe's demise, a "This, that, there ..." challenge and an invitation to take and make the invented, silly, post-modern tradition of 'Festivus' your own.  Check out the resources below:  

Videos:

1) Watch these clips of the Seinfeld episode called "The Strike" to learn more about "Festivus,"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX55AzGku5Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKdnqjnegEs

Festivus

 Books

1) Here is a great book (I borrowed it in audio form from my local library) about the history of the sitcom called "Seinfeld."

Seinfeldia - attached is the link to Amazon

https://www.amazon.ca/Seinfeldia-About-Nothing-Changed-Everything/dp/1476756104/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31EIJOCPZ1X8P&keywords=seinfeldia&qid=1575412624&sprefix=Seinfeldia%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

2)Festivus: The Holiday for the rest of us - Again, I borrowed this book in audio form from the local library, but here is the link to

Amazonhttps://www.amazon.ca/Festivus-Holiday-Rest-Allen-Salkin/dp/0446540668/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=festivus+book&qid=1575412700&sr=8-3

To learn more about the apostrophe's demise go to the following link:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.5380932/apostrophe-protection-society-shuts-down-after-18-years-blaming-ignorance-and-laziness-1.5380935

Peace and Take Care

Episode 24 - The Critically Reflective Citizen of Today and Tomorrow: Canada 2019 Vote

On October 21, 2019 Canadians will cast votes for the next federal leader of Canada.  In this episode, I encourage Canadians to get informed, engage in respectful conversation and get out to vote because voting is a right.  I provide a number of resources to explore to prepare for the upcoming vote.  So please, check the sources, check the images, and check the claims, and stand up to the "Why vote?" meme, because choosing not to vote allows those who do vote to double-down on the weight of their vote.  Let us use our critical thinking skills (i.e. know your bias, suspend judgement and ask questions) so we can make the wise decisions and send the message that we will not fall into the role of "emotionally provoked persuadables."   

Resources:

1) Learn about logical fallacies (i.e. hasty generalizations, appeal to emotions, bandwagon effect, etc.) at these two links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IawIjqOJBU8

2) And: https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/

3) Explore the expansion of Democracy from 1816 to 2016 at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/its-2016-here-is-the-state-of-voting-rights-around/

For voting Canadians:

1) First time voters uncertain of your leanings - check out Vote Compass - Canada Votes 2019 at: https://votecompass.cbc.ca/canada/

2) Feeling like you don't have any clarity about campaign positions go to: https://pollenize.org/en/elections/canada-2019

3) Want to learn about the Canadian Democratic system and how to get ready to cast an informed vote access "classroom resources" at https://studentvote.ca/canada/

Lastly, feeling creative?  If so, before October 21, 2019, make a concrete prediction about the overall voter participation rate (68.5% in 2015) and the final election outcome (i.e. Liberal minority government with surges in the Bloc and NDP?) by putting pen to paper.  It is a healthy way to put those automatic thoughts we have into check and an invitation to be open to surprise. 

Remember, voting makes a difference!  Thank-you for joining me in another "tip of the ice-burg" conversation.  Take care & peace from the Hopeful Humanist, just some guy, attempting to share inspiration and inspire creativity.