The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

Episode 16 - Befriending Boredom

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?

Episode 15 - Vision Boards & Family Sabbaticals

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 

Episode 14 - Micro-podcasting: Expressing Yourself and Creating Happiness

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 ...

Episode 13 - Ingredients of an Apology: Valuing Relationships

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. 

Episode 12 - Difficult Conversations

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

 

Episode 11 - Experimenting with Happiness

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

 

Episode 10 - Say "Hello" To The Peace Out Panda Movement (Part 2)

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.  

Episode 9 - Say "Hello" To The Peace Out Panda Movement (Part 1)

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"

 

Episode 8 - The Benefits of Self-Prescribing Nature in a Tumultuous World

This months episode is sponsored by the Dandelion and the metal straw.  You are invited to unplug and get outdoors for both your mental and physical health.  This month the resources in the spotlight are iNaturalist at https://www.inaturalist.org/ and Johann Hari's book called "Lost Connections" possibly available at your local library or get it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.ca/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529013447&sr=1-1&keywords=johann+hari. 

Other resources referenced are below:

1) Re-think your relationship with the dandelion at: 

https://www.quora.com/Why-dont-people-like-dandelions

2) Learn about Nature Deficit Disorder at:

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38094186

3)Read about the benefits of getting out doors at:

 http://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7

4) Learn about "Forest Bathing at:

http://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/

5) Check-out the Standord experiment on the benefits of nature for mental health at:

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

6) Check-out the Ted Talk by Ben Klasky at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTzl_AHCmho.

7) Explore the benefits of dandelions at: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html. 

 

Also visit my website if you are interested in doing an anonymus survey about retirement at: 

 https://sites.google.com/view/self-directedcurriculum/home

 

 

Episode 7 - Who Am I? ... Finding Myself, Again: #ExploreExpandBecome

Welcome to another meeting of the minds as we explore the webpage provided by Wiki How called "How to Find Yourself - 15 Steps" at the address:  https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Yourself.  Get your journal and pen to dive into the perrenial question - Who Am I?  We start the episode by returning to the Absurd as a possible departure point to put one's self under the metaphorical microscope.  Before getting into it, the additional following resources were provided as some "Just by the way thoughts" as follows:

1) Check-out the "Science of Well-Being on Coursera by Professor Laurie Santos from Yale (free on-line course) at  https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being.  

2) Try doing something different at https://dsd.me/. You can also access this three week free on-line course via the home page at Action for Happiness at  http://www.actionforhappiness.org/.  Just scroll down to the resources box at the bottom of the page and click on the website Do Happiness.  

3) Put on your critically reflective hat and consider the limits of the Action for Happiness Movement by reading the article called "The Sad Truth About The Action For Happiness Movement" by David Harper at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/feb/21/sad-truth-action-for-happiness-movement. 

4) Take a free personality test that will require about 15 minutes of your time at  https://www.16personalities.com/. 

5) Reflect upon the 5 Remembrances at  https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/embrace-reality.  

Until our next meeting of minds