Listen Now

What is the "Hard Case" for self-care?  Why do we so often, when helping others, try to get to offering solutions instead of just being there to honour and validate another person's reality.  Sometimes the first step in the change process is just taking time to notice.   Quote for the year: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." -- Henry David Thoreau Showcase Resource:  1) The International Self-Care Foundation - Visit this site for a definition of self-care and learn about the 7 Pillars of Self-Care.  Click here to access the site - http://isf-foundation.us/ Related Episodes:  1) Episode 58 - Self-Care Self Assessment - Episode 58 - Self-Care Self-Assessments & Inter-Being Scaffolding | The Hopeful Humanist Cafe A Parting Salutations:  Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -  

In this episode, I invite the listener to join me as I provide a summary account of a virtual, two-day training workshop that I attended about a therapeutic counselling modality called, "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" - otherwise known as ACT.  The total listening experience includes six audio segments. Each of the two days of training includes an introduction to the day and two summary modules about the material covered.  In each module, I provide a concise sharing about a concept central to ACT (i.e. functional contextualism, relational frame therapy, etc.).  Between each module, you will "notice" (the act of mindfully noticing is a big deal to ACT) a very short "typewriting" sound prompt, which is an invitation for the listener to just take a break (actually "pause" the episode) and reflect upon the relevance of the ideas shared to my ongoing discussions about self-coaching and self-care.  Hopefully, during the "paused" moments, one might think how the material relates to one's ideas about what constitutes self-care and how one might expand one's thinking about self-care.  Modules:  1) Module One: In this module, I talk about "functional contextualism," which is the underlying philosophical foundation of ACT.  I relate the concept to the idea of the self. I suggest a better frame for the idea of a dynamic self that engages in self-care might be this thing called, "Inter-being wellness."  Want to learn more about functional contextualism, click here - What is functional contextualism? - YouTube 2) Module Two: In this module, I briefly talk about "relational frame theory," which is a theory that can work in conjunction with ACT.  I invite the listener to explore one's idea of what self-care is and how one might expand upon already internalized ideas of self-care.  Is self-care an indulgence? A luxury? What activities constitute self-care? Soaking in a hot tub? Setting a boundary? Having a hard conversation? Making an apology?  Here is a video if you are interested in learning more about RFT - Relational Frame Theory (RFT) From your ACT Auntie - YouTube 3) Module Three: In this module, we explored the benefits of finding or creating a metaphor for one's life.  Metaphors can orient a person and direct a person. Metaphors capture themes that reveal values and can remind us about what is meaningful during difficult moments.  What life metaphor is operating in your life? Here are some ACT metaphors - The Stageshow Metaphor - YouTube Passengers on the Bus - YouTube Monsters on a Boat - YouTube 4) Module Four: This module is a wrap-up discussion about the ultimate goal of ACT -- to build and nurture "psychological flexibility" in one's life.  There is also acknowledgement that life is hard and that sometimes we get stuck.  During these times, we need to be gentle with ourselves and just keep on practicing skills we already know or open up to learning and trying some new ones.  Watch the following Steven Hayes' Ted Talk to learn more about psychological flexibility - Psychological flexibility: How love turns pain into purpose | Steven Hayes | TEDxUniversityofNevada - YouTube Showcase Resource:  1) The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living (Audible Audio Edition): Russ Harris, Russ Harris, Shambhala Publications: Amazon.ca: Books 2) The following blog post was written after I attended the introductory workshop for ACT way over a year ago.  In it, I talk about the centrality of noticing to the mindfulness practices connected to ACT.  Additionally, I explore what I believe are four core competencies for the practice of self-care. There is also a link for Russ Harris' ACT webpage where one can access a lot of free material related to different ACT tools and strategies.  https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/online-resources-1/f/making-acceptance-commitment-therapy-relevant-to-life-coaching A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. Supporting the Café:  Please help keep the conversation at Hopeful Humanist Café going. Check out my support page at Soundcarelifecoaching.com by clicking here - https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/support-the-hh-caf%C3%A9 Steve, The Hopeful Humanist Peace, take care, be well and share!

This episode is simply a short question. It is an invitation to put one's "self" under the metaphorical microscope.  This can be a hard thing to do, but it is essential for living a deliberate and mindful life.   I anticipate that I will follow-up this question with a future episode where I intend to debrief and unpack the question in order to explore the implications it has in our lives as it points to a responsibility to be careful about the words we use.  We shape our lives and our relationships with language.  Should there be a maxim that guides us in this respect?    For now, however, I find myself just wanting to sit in the question and allow it to percolate.   A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. Supporting the Café:  Please help keep the conversation at Hopeful Humanist Café going. Check out my support page at Soundcarelifecoaching.com by clicking here - https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/support-the-hh-caf%C3%A9   Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -

In this very brief episode of the Hopeful Humanist Café, I will showcase what I will simultaneously call a "Sound-Story" & "Audio-Sound-Blot."  The episode is simply a listening experience.  One might just sit back and get comfortable or grab one's journal and open up to the possibility of an imaginative outpouring.    As a "Sound-Story," the invitation is simply to listen to the collection of sounds so one can string together a story about what is happening.  I see it as a possible prompt for one's daily journaling exercise.  Using your imagination, what story do the sounds tell you?  Listen and write.   As an "Audio-Sound Blot," the invitation is simply to quiet one's monkey mind, breath, be and just "notice." Listen and ground.  Use your breath to calm both your body and your inner world.   The track is 5 minutes and 39 seconds long.  It is created from 13 different sounds.  Can you identify them all?  It was a lot of fun to make.  My youngest son, Blazing Phoenix, who is definitely not a morning person, has found it useful in helping him get up in the morning.  He will migrate from his comfortable bed to the living room couch.  In the dimly lit room, he will cuddle up in his favourite blanket, listen to the track, and challenge himself to gear up for the start of his day by the time the track runs through.  It has become a part of our morning routine.  If it works, use it, right!   Showcase Resource:  1) If you want to get in the sandbox and see what you might create as an original beat or something like a "Sounds-Story"/"Audio-Sound-Blot," check-out Soundtrap from Spotify by clicking here: https://www.soundtrap.com/ I use the free version, but paid upgrades are possible.   A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Supporting the Café:  Please help keep the conversation at Hopeful Humanist Café going. Check out my support page at Soundcarelifecoaching.com by clicking here - https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/support-the-hh-caf%C3%A9   Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -    

Welcome to another spontaneous & unedited blithering at The Hopeful Humanist Café.   When you do not got the motivation to tackle the Mount Everest challenges on your metaphorical life plate, tackle the small stuff. The small stuff can create momentum. For me that was focusing on the backyard shed.  Unexpectedly, while getting some small checkmarks, I discovered that perspective is a big deal.   The episode ends with a beat I created for a previous episode called, "Outdoor Playfulness."  It just seemed apropos. Episode Question: What animal do you think of when you think of the words, "adaptable," "persistent," and "creative?" T-shirt Idea: "Just Painting Bricks!" A way of describing what my day was like.  The act of painting bricks seems monotonous enough, but when everything is done, then you have the "WOW FACTOR!"  Keep painting them brick. Quote for the Episode: "Learn to see things from different perspectives. Never limit yourself to just one point of view." ---- Unknown Threads to connect in the discussion: 1) Creating momentum 2) Gaining perspective 3) Getting over the hindrances of life (from a Buddhist Perspective) - taken from "Awakening the Buddha Within," by Lama Surya Das Craving Ill will Sloth & torpor (spiritual laziness) Restlessness Doubt Showcase Resources: 1) What is the lifespan of the squirrel? Why do squirrels run in a zig-zag fashion?  Here are a couple links to learn more about squirrels:  20 Awesome Facts About Squirrels - Wildlife Informer About Squirrel - Informative Website For Squirrel Lover Squirrel - Wikipedia 2) What is the raccoons most important sense? What is the average height of a raccoon? Here are a couple of links to learn more about raccoons: Raccoon Web Site Links (raccoonworld.com) Raccoon - Wikipedia Fact Check: I just wanted to note in this episode, I stated that cats generally do not venture more than 5 blocks from their homes.  This information was collected from one source.  After doing a google search, it appears that might not be the case. What I can say, however, in terms of my personal experience, our Nala seldom goes more than 5 houses away from our house and that she was found within a distance of five houses away as opposed to five blocks away.   Special Thanks: I would like to share a special thanks with Sasa and Mylene who "one the spot" answered a free-association prompt that I used to introduce this episode.  My interaction with Mylene was especially interesting as it captured how often miscommunications unfold in simple one-to-one interactions.  You will have to listen to the end of the episode to listen to the exchange.  It demonstrates that communication is an ongoing skill to be developed.   A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Supporting the Café:  Please help keep the conversation at Hopeful Humanist Café going. Check out my support page at Soundcarelifecoaching.com by clicking here - https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/support-the-hh-caf%C3%A9   Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -  

This episode is from a Substack article I prepared for my news letter, "Hopeful Humanist Cafe Newsletter." The article is called, "What will you do today."  I really enjoyed making the episode and wanted to include it into the library of episodes available on "The Hopeful Humanist Cafe" podcast.   Here is the link for the article: What will you do today? - by Steve the hopeful humanist (substack.com)   Something to do today - Make a list of the things you are grateful for ... Quote: "Take vacations. As many as you can. You can always make money. You can’t always make memories." - Unknown T-shirt Idea: Create an eternal moment A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining us for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -  

Welcome to The Hopeful Humanist Café.  In episode 71, I am joined by Captain Jack and Danielson for an organic discussion and debrief about an episode from "The Psychology Podcast" with Scott Barry Kaufman. The specific episode we talked about is called, "How William James Can Save Your Life," with special guest John Kaag, who is an Existential Philosopher (see link below).  I framed the debrief with the following orienting question, "As we all work with youth, I work with teen youth and you both work with youth stepping into young adulthood, I would like to paint this picture. We are approached by a young wounded, seeking soul who asks the privileged question, 'Is life worth living and how can philosophy pragmatically save my life?'"  What says we?   Word of the Day - Peripatetic: (adjective) Of or relating to the philosophy or teaching methods of Aristotle, who conducted discussions while walking about the Lyceum of ancient Athens.    In terms of this episode, peripatetic more pragmatically describes the "walk and talk" flavour/nature of my time spent with Captain Jack and Danielson, two spiritual brothers, while making this episode.  During these "walk and talk" moments, one has the sense of being part of a community; to borrow a Buddhist term, it is as if one is part of what I would like to creatively call my "philosophical sangha."  Disclaimer: Humbly, we are just a "few ones blithering."   Quote of the Day - "In any weather, at any hour of the day or night, I have been anxious to improve the nick of time, and notch it on my stick too; to stand on the meeting of two eternities, the past and the future, which is precisely the present moment; to toe that line."  -- Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Author T-shirt Idea: We are all living in a nick of time; life is but a nick in time ... Showcase Resource: 1) "The Psychology Podcast," by Barry Scott Kaufman. The name of the podcast says it all.  Barry is a Humanist Psychologist who has found a mentor in Abraham H. Maslow.  Visit the following webpage to learn more about Barry's updated "Sailboat" metaphor for Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Sailboat Metaphor - Scott Barry Kaufman . 2) Here are three episodes of "The Psychology Podcast" worth listening to: a) John Kaag || How William James Can Save Your Life May 26, 2022 John Kaag || How William James Can Save Your Life - Scott Barry Kaufman b) Alexi Robichaux || The Future of Coaching June 30, 2022 Alexi Robichaux || The Future of Coaching - Scott Barry Kaufman c) Daniel Schmachtenberger || Towards a Radical Cultural Enlightenment February 24, 2022 Daniel Schmachtenberger || Towards a Radical Cultural Enlightenment - Scott Barry Kaufman Related Hopeful Humanist Episode(s): 1) Episode 68 - Life Coaching Questions Answered by Sarah Crawte (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) 2) Episode 18 - Yearning to Yearn, a Gen Z GIG-a-lo, and On Being Radical (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) A Parting Salutations: A special thank-you goes out to Captain Jack and Danielson! It was fun and I am already looking forward to our next blithering session.   Thank-you for joining us for another meeting of the minds. As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -    

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." - Robert Frost   Episode 70 with Danielson has finally arrived. Another unedited, one take blithering session with "Just Two Ones."  As indicated in the "Antidote Primer for upcoming Episode," Danielson and I will attempt to interpret and relate to six selected Emily Dickinson poems.  The poems discussed include:  1. This is my letter to the world (Danielson) 2. I felt a cleaving in my mind (Danielson) 3. My portion is defeat (Danielson) 4. I'm Nobody! Who are you? (Steve The Hopeful Humanist) 5. Longing is like the Seed (Steve The Hopeful Humanist) 6. There is a solitude of space (Steve The Hopeful Humanist)   It is my hope you have had a chance to read and recite out loud the poems before listening to the episode.  I hope you enjoy the conversation ... Resources:  1) Please revisit the "Antidote Primer for Upcoming Episode" for complete resource list. 2) In terms of some Canadian poets worth exploring, you might try collections by Al Purdy, John Newlove, Erin Moure and Roo Borson.   A Parting Salutations: A special thank-you goes out to Danielson! I am already looking forward to our next blithering session.   Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the minds. Here I would like to  leave you with the invitation to think about the benefits of bringing a little more poetry into your life.  Express yourself! As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous.  If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -    

Where do thoughts come from?  In episode 69, we turn to a poem from the American Poet Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (Dec. 10, 1830 to May 15, 1886) where she shares her experience of an arising thought.  It is a beautiful poem. The poem provides one with the opportunity to become aware of one's thinking mind and it's relationship to one's observing mind.  As some are more visual learners than others, here is her untitled creation:  A thought went up my mind to-day That I have had before, But did not finish,–some way back, I could not fix the year, Nor where it went, nor why it came The second time to me, Nor definitely what it was, Have I the art to say. But somewhere in my soul, I know I’ve met the thing before; It just reminded me–‘t was all– And came my way no more. -Emily Dickinson At the end of the episode, I have included some bonus material. Something extra from Danielson, a regular Hopeful Humanist Café guest, and the first beat I have ever created called, "Outdoor Playfulness."  Both "sharings" utilized free digital audio tools from the online music platform called, "Soundtrap."  I hope you enjoy the listening experience.  Resources: 1) Want to create a background musical ambience for your outpourings of poetry, check out this resource: https://www.soundtrap.com/ 2) Interested in understanding more about the "Default Mode Network?" Check-out this video:(157) Autopilot Mode, the Brain and Mindfulness (The Default Mode Network) #LewisPsychology - YouTube 3) Need strategies to stand up to intrusive thoughts, check out this book by Russ Harris called, "The Happiness Trap."  Find it at your local library or possibly get a free audio copy via Amazon by clicking here: The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living (Audible Audio Edition): Russ Harris, Russ Harris, Shambhala Publications: Amazon.ca: Books . This book in itself, is another episode waiting for the making.   4) Take a trip to your local library to pick up a book of poems by Emily Dickinson.  If you want to own your own copy, you can click this Amazon link: The Essential Emily Dickinson : Dickinson, Emily: Books - Amazon Related Episodes: 1) Episode 57 - BOOMPF …”It’s Create a Word Day!” (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) 2) Episode 59 - ”Audio Sound Blot” - Lot#1 Growing Old & Sardines (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) - both episodes are all about leaning into creative play ... I especially enjoyed the audio sound blot creation and imagine more might come now that I discovered Soundtrap.  Is it time to unleash your creative spirit?  When we do creative things, it seems as it fun is not too far away!   A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for another meeting of the mind. Here I would like to  leave you with the invitation to think about the benefits of bringing a little more poetry into your life.  Express yourself! As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous.  If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -  

In episode 68, I am joined by Life Coach Sarah Crawte who talks about what life coaching is and is not, her journey toward life coaching, and the benefits of connecting with a life coach.   Maintaining your health is often challenging and, at times, requires reaching out for help. During difficult times, help can be accessed from communities of care that include family, friends, colleagues, spiritual mentors, self-help communities, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and/or a life coach . These communities provide the necessary scaffolding to help you focus your priorities, establish balance, and develop your vital sense of self. By developing your sense of self, you can become more aware of your needs, beliefs, values, intentions, and interests. With expanded self-awareness, you can then buffer yourself from life’s inevitable challenges, while also building resilience. (Excerpt taken from my website Soundcare Life Coaching). An apology: When recording this episode, I was experimenting with a new headset and it is quite apparent I should have kept with my usual  habit of using my lapel microphone.  As a consequence, the sound quality was compromised.  It is my hope the listen is still bearable and that the topic is interesting enough to encourage the listener to persevere until the end.  Lesson learned.   Orienting Quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Lifecoachinghub.com Resources: 1) "Almost anyone can become a life coach. A hidden cameral investigation reveals why that's a problem." An article from CBC news that explores the importance of not confusing coaching for therapy and encourages coaches to stay in their lane.  While I definitely support the idea of trauma-informed life coaching, it is for the purpose of identifying those situations where it is appropriate to make a referral for those suffering from anxiety, depression and PTSD and a caution about practicing outside of one's scope of expertise.  To read the article, click here -Almost anyone can become a life coach. A hidden camera investigation reveals why that's a problem | CBC News.  2) "Mental health coaches filling the gaps during pandemic." Another CBC article that focuses on the increased demand for life coaches as those in need of immediate mental health support are left stranded due to long therapy waitlists.  The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in increased levels of anxiety, depression, substance use and loneliness.  Therapist are over-extended yet the need for help NOW requires a remedy.  To read this article, click here - Mental health coaches filling the gaps during pandemic | CBC News.  A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life coaching with Sarah.  As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share The Hopeful Humanist -  

Join me for a one-take, unedited discussion about the importance of expanding our dashboards of wellness to include mental health and substance use information.  According to the Public Health Agency of Canada "24 626 apparent opioid toxicity deaths between January 2016 and June 2021" were reported.  Did you also know according to an article, "Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions," "Social isolation significantly increased a person's risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity."  If we are hit with another covid-19 wave of infections from a new variant, should this information inform future policies?  Should we also be tracking daily deaths due to loneliness and drug fatality poisonings?  These facts bring up important discussions about privilege and inequity.  We need to make sure we don't overlook the voiceless! Quote for the episode: " Asking for help doesn't make you weak - it reveals strength, even when you don't feel strong" - alifeleadsimple.com Take away thoughts:  We all need a "friendly voice" in our lives so someone can "love us through the hard stuff."   Resilience can only take us so far. At some point we might find ourselves "tapped out."   After the past two years, maybe we all need therapists, even the therapist. Tag line: "Can we blither?" Episode Resources: 1) "Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions" by CDC. Interested in finding out what you can do if you are experiencing loneliness, click here: Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (cdc.gov) 2) What does the data say about fentanyl and fentanyl analogues as a major driver of the opioid crisis? 87% of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl in 201 (Jan to Jun). For more information about opioid related harms, click here: Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada - Public Health Infobase | Public Health Agency of Canada 3) "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Substance Use Treatment Capacity in Canada" by Canadian Centre of Substance Use and Addiction. Curious about the benefits and cost of increasing use of virtual care, click here: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Substance Use Treatment Capacity in Canada (ccsa.ca) 4) "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Opioid-Related Harm in Ontario," by Science Table/Covid-19 Advisory for Ontario.  What are the pre-existing barriers to adequate care among people who you drugs? "Barriers include stigma surrounding drug use and system inequities associated with social determinants of heath (SDOH) such as housing instability, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability status, sexual orientation." To read further, click here: The-Impact-of-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-on-Opioid-Related-Harm-in-Ontario_published_20210908.pdf (covid19-sciencetable.ca) 5) Centre for Mental Health and Addiction: Visit the CAMH website for health information about Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic by clicking here: Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic | CAMH   Related Episode(s): 1) Episode 58 - Self-Care Self-Assessments & Inter-Being Scaffolding (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)   A Parting Salutations: Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  As always, the conversation is ongoing and continuous. If you think you might benefit from working with a Self-Care Life Coach, please visit my website at Soundcarelifecoaching - Self-Care - Kitchener, Ontario to learn more.  You can start the process by emailing me at soundcarelifecoaching@gmail.com.  Peace, take care, be well, and share

Welcome to another episode of the Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  In episode 66, I will talk about some obstacles, barriers, and constraints to our ability to take care of ourselves.  The invitation will not be to despair about such a reality but to sit with it and "notice" what is happening in our inner world when we are mindful of certain thoughts and feelings that get in our way of taking care of ourselves.  In addition to exploring the ABC's of Self-Care, I will also introduce the idea of a "Presenting Moment" as a possible first step to nurturing a self-care mindset. T-shirt Idea: "Somatic Palliation's best friend is Action Plan; after a soothing bath, they get things done!" Orientating Quote: "Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." Anchoring Concept: Self-care = "Inter-Being Wellness" Show Case Resource: 1) Below is a link to my coaching website called, "Soundcare Life Coaching."  I offer it as an option for your self-care toolkit. You can access links to free on-line resources, access a link to The Hopeful Humanist Cafe, and for my Canadian audience reach out for virtual coaching sessions.  Click here to access the  https://soundcarelifecoaching.com/. Related Episodes: 1) https://www.hopefulhumanistcafe.com/e/episode-58-self-care-self-assessments/   A Parting Salutations: Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.     Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  The conversation is ongoing and continuous! Peace, take care, be well, and share

Welcome to Episode 65 of the Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  In this episode, I hope to provide a definition of generations, share a cautionary note about the limits and dangers when talking about generations, and raise some questions about the benefits of continuing to talk about these socially-constructed things called "Generations."     Video Resource Library for our discussion Generations: 1) "The Generations:" The creator of this You Tube channel has created a comprehensive series about the generations spanning from the Lost Generation to the new kids on the block, Generation Alpha (coined by Mark McCrindle).  Click here to supplement your current understanding about the generational continuum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDm91SferM 2) William Strauss & Neil Howe:  These two thinkers are the authors of "Generations: The History of America's Future 1584 to 2069" (1991) and "An American Prophecy: The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny" (1997).  I was fortunate enough to access the books at my local library.  If you not interested in directing a lot of time and energy to such a significant reading project (and learn about peer personality, generational constellations, generational archetypes and eras), you can click her to a summary video of their pulse-rate theory about generations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-qXpE1bCJs 3) Karl Mannheim (1893-1947) was a German Sociologist who wrote an essay in 1928 called, "The Problem of Generations."  Terms he used to talk about generations included social location, generations in actuality, and fresh contact.  He defined a generation as a group of individuals of the similar age and a shared social, economical and political experience who share a noteworthy historical event in a specific span of time.  Watch this You Tube video for a summary account of his ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjlmYCAL7Cs&t=5s 4) Are Generations Real? The History, The Controversy. I very much enjoyed this You Tube video as it looks at the discussion of generations through a critical thinking lens.  Click here to learn about the difference between a "pulse-rate" theory of generations compared to the "imprint" theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Cj5PJPsEI 5) Looking forward with Mark McCrindle and Generation Alpha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Cj5PJPsEI 6) This interview with Gabor Mate and the host of Sunday Magazine, Piya Chattopadhyay is a must listen to. Gabor Mate gives us a fuller look at the challenges we are currently facing.  We are not just in a pandemic - we are trying to stay a float in a convergence of pandemics called a syndemic.  Click this link for a soul with an amazing mind: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-magazine-for-june-20-2021-1.6070909   Books worth reading: 1) "Generations" by Strauss and Howe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjlmYCAL7Cs&t=5s 2) "The Fourth Turning" by Strauss and Howe - https://www.amazon.ca/Fourth-Turning-History-Americas-Rendezvous/dp/0767900464/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KMRCBPS7DFP5&dchild=1&keywords=the+fourth+turning&qid=1626030889&s=books&sprefix=the+fourth+turn%2Cstripbooks%2C233&sr=1-1 3) "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture" by Douglas Coupland - https://www.amazon.ca/Generation-X-Tales-Accelerated-Culture/dp/031205436X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=douglas+copeland+generation+x&qid=1626030989&s=books&sr=1-1   Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.   Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  The conversation is ongoing and continuous!  Peace, take care, be well, and share    

In this episode, I take the "Ten-Word Description" podcast activity from Eric Nuzum and take it to make my own to "Reclaim my lens for a journey toward my authentic self." Entering into another lockdown during a third wave assault from covid-19 where everything is fixated on a one-pointed conversation about the pandemic, I felt a need to "bee kind" to myself and expand my centre of identification to more than infection rates, ICU admissions, and vaccination passports.   Quote: "Just because you're right doesn't mean I'm wrong, you just haven't seen life from my position." - Anonymous T-shirt Idea - "Bee Kind" & "Reclaim the Lens" and "Shifting & Resequencing" Dedication: I would like to dedicate this episode to the bees and the dandelion.  What is your perspective on "No Mow May?"  Check out this article and see if it inspires you to "BEE kind" - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/no-mow-may-toronto-1.5568446 Ten-Word Description Example for Reclaiming the Lense Courtesy Danielson: Daily intentions accountability exercise to sharpen focus on life-affirming activities. Resources: 1) In the spotlight - "Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling," by Eric Nuzum.  Reading this book and discovering the "Ten-Word Description" activity for launching a podcast inspired the idea for this episode. I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of creating a podcast.  Even with over 700 000 different podcast shows, the world still has room for your voice! Click here to access it on Amazon if your local library does not have in on shelf: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Noise-Creators-Podcasting-Storytelling/dp/1523504552/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RKQJPZNTBT6L&dchild=1&keywords=eric+nuzum+make+noise&qid=1621684176&sprefix=eric+nu%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1  2) The following article provided me an opportunity to practice "perspective taking." It reminded me that there is no "total solution" for everyone even when we are struggling with a common problem like covid-19.  What is your perspective on this article: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/pandemic-frustrations-boil-surface-b-231831291.html 3) My image google search for perspective-taking brought me to a comic graphic in this article. Is it a six or is it a nine? Check-out my avatar image for this episode and then read the article for some thoughts about perspective-taking.  Here is the link: https://everydaypsych.com/dont-understand-advice-for-perspective-taking/ 4) Check out this YouTube for a fun hand percussion grounding activity.  Click here -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-MpzjxEVBU  Special Thanks - Thank-you Danielson for sharing your lens reclamation thought!  Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.   Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  The conversation is ongoing and continuous!  Peace, take care, be well, and share      

Welcome to another "Just Two Ones" episode where Danielson and I talk about a bunch of thoughts connected to Critical Thinking with a short special appearance from Woodrow.  Let's blither ... ORIENTING THOUGHTS: 1) “Moving beyond I don’t know” (Danielson) 2) Memorizing is not learning. (Danielson) T-SHIRT IDEAS: 1)"Read Widely" & "Imagine the Unimaginable" both by Danielson 2) "Just Two Ones Among 7.9 Billion" by Steve The Hopeful Humanist. Click here to discover the changing world population ... https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ QUOTATIONS: 1) "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution" - Einstein  2) "Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action" - The Foundation for Critical Thinking. Click here for a deeper dive into a definition for critical thinking ... https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766 RESOURCES: 1) Penn Jillette: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/tuesday-march-23-2021-harry-connick-jr-penn-jillette-and-more-1.5959037 2) Stephen Brookfield: https://www.amazon.ca/Power-Critical-Theory-Liberating-Learning/dp/0787956015 3) Micheal Patrick Lynch: https://www.amazon.ca/Know-All-Society-Dogmatism-Arrogance/dp/1631493612   Thank-you for joining me here at the Hopeful Humanist Cafe for on-going conversation about mental health, happiness, and the good life.  Together, creatively we can try to make our lives healthier and more meaningful.   Peace, take care, be well, and share!

Welcome to a glimpse into a snippet of a private sharing from myself to Captain Jack.  From the outside, I must say, this episode is definitely unconventional and hopefully it will not prove to be a slippery slope (haha!).  The flavour of this episode is reminiscent of my "T-shirt ideas, novel first sentences, and et cetera moments" concept piece. Here, literally,  I am soaking in some thoughts about a quote, share a T-shirt idea, and instead of a novel first sentence offer a stream of consciousness outpouring on critical thinking.  I hope you enjoy it!  Orienting Quote: "There is nothing certain except that nothing is certain, and nothing more wretched than Man nor more arrogant." Pliny ... Taken from page 12 of "KNOW-IT-ALL-SOCIETY," by Michael Patrick Lynch.  What do you make of the quote?  T-shirt Idea: How is your big left toe? (Body Scan activity) Concluding Question: What did I miss? Resources: 1) Get critically reflective by reading "Know-It-All-Society," by Michael Patrick Lynch.  Hopefully, you can access it at your local library or click here to buy it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Know-All-Society-Dogmatism-Arrogance/dp/1631493612/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QPP5VH7T2PG0&dchild=1&keywords=know+it+all+society&qid=1617469743&sprefix=know+it+all+society%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 2) Interested learning about Logical Fallacies, click on this website: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/common-logical-fallacies 3) Curious about the other book I am reading?  It is called, "Happiness," by Darrin M. McMahon.  I am sure I will have more to say about this book in the future.  Here is the link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Happiness-History-Darrin-M-McMahon/dp/0802142893/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=happiness+by+Darrin+M.+McMahon&qid=1617474237&sr=8-1 Lock-Down Activity: For those of you like myself, who will be going into another lock-down, after reviewing the above information about logical fallacies, you can listen to the speech I have attached to see if you can spot any of the fallacies.  It is an activity to flex one's critical thinking muscle.  Click on this You Tube video to listen to the speech - https://www.wsj.com/video/trump-full-speech-at-dc-rally-on-jan-6/E4E7BBBF-23B1-4401-ADCE-7D4432D07030.html.   Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.   Thank-you for joining me. This episode is a preamble to my upcoming episode with Danielson where we will talk a whole bunch more about critical thinking and the critical thinking mindset.   Peace, take care, be well, and share ------The Hopeful Humanist

This episode is the unexpected part two to episode 60.  Danielson and I continued to explore our respective relationships with the book "Siddhartha," a book we both initially picked up in early adulthood and have revisited a number of times over the different chapters of our unfolding lives.  The first order of business was to provide a synopsis of the book, an important task overlooked in episode 60.  We both shared how our most recent "look into the mirror" has changed the manner in which we relate to the book -- how the book speaks to us. Finally, Danielson concludes the discussion by asking me two self-stretching questions.   Related Episode(s): 1) Episode 6 - Standing up to Anxiety and Confronting the Absurd (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)   Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.     Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  The conversation is ongoing and continuous! Peace, take care, be well, and share  

In this historic episode, I am joined for the first time ever with a guest - the one and only Danielson - for an unedited, in-the-moment, blithering conversation about Hermann Hesse's classic novel, "Siddhartha."  Although we initially intended to start the conversation off by providing a synopsis of the story, we never actually got around to it and just dove into a back and forth discussion about impressions and personal reflections.  As such, I would recommend one first read the novel before listening to our humble analysis of Hesse's work.     T-shirt Ideas:  1) Danielson - "Hear the river" (Not - "Here, the river) 2) Hopeful - "Limited View" (play on the idea of ``Right View`` - a step on the noble 8-Fold Path) & "Lost Opportunities" Resources: 1) Here is attached Danielson's short essay about "Siddhartha," by Hermann Hesse accessible at Goodreads.  In this essay, Danielson explores the theme of getting out of time to wake up to the eternal in the moment one finds oneself.  Click here to access the essay: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3433268299 2) For those that might need to read the novel first before listening to the blithering back-and-forth between me and Danielson, this free click-able link can help you get started: https://www.apnamba.com/Ebooks-pdf/Siddhartha.pdf Related Episode(s): 1) Episode 1 - The Happier Quest (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)   Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.     Thank-you for joining me for a blithering tip-of-the-iceberg conversation about life.  The conversation is ongoing and continuous! Peace, take care, be well, and share    

This is my creative take on a psychometric tool referred to as the "Rorschach Test." Subjects are presented with ambiguous inkblots and invited to share their perceptions/interpretations with clinicians to analyze.  The goal is to discover underlying personality traits.  My goal is not so lofty.  It is simply to share something creative that might cause for the listener a "moment of reflection" about self or the world. While this episode is primarily a tribute to creativity, it is also simultaneously a "covid-19 sound capsule" about the concreteness of my here-and-now moment.  I think we need creativity more than ever at this unique moment in our shared history.  I invite you to create your own "audio sound blot" or "covid-19 sound capsule."  Tapping into our creativity opens the door for some nonsensical fun, imaginative connection, and a chance to feel good during these hard times.   T-shirt Idea: Sound Blot Special Thanks: Special thanks goes to Captain Jack, Danielson, Blazing Phoenix, and Woodrow for their contributions to this blot creation.  Wooodrow played a piano piece from Eiffel 65 called "Blue (Da Ba Dee)." Comical Resource: 1) Whenever I need to laugh, I listen to this little clip of Captain Jack accidentally eating a bug.  For a slight guffaw click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdJsc0WoIgE Related Episode(s): 1) Episode 32 - An Imaginative (naive?) Glimpse into a Post-Covid-19, 2030 World Featuring Janus and Sparky (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.   Peace, take care, be well, and share Create, laugh a little, share a compliment, breath & smile  

Quote: "Right now the world is entirely focused on people's physical health, and for good reason. But I urge everyone to take mental health just as seriously as you do your physical health. Use preventative measures and learn to spot the signs when you are struggling. Reach out to family, friends or medical professionals."    - Natalie Romero from her  article, "I Am Struggling With Low-Grade Depression." T-shirt Ideas: 1) Remember, don't forget what you know 2) Somatic Palliation's best friend is action plan, she gets things done My Self-Care Self-Assessment Inventory Questionnaire: 1) Have I been feeding my mind? (livehappy) 2) Have I been minding my thoughts (livehappy) 3) Have I been watching my words? (livehappy) 4) Have I been keeping good company? (livehappy) 5) Have I been engaged in my daily practice of gratitude, accomplishment, goal? 6) Have I participated in a family game over the past week? 7) Have I done anything physical? Have I exercised? 8) Have I done my morning recitations or engaged in moments of mindfulness? 9) Have I directed energy to a personal learning project? 10) Have I expressed in some fashion my love to those most dearest to me? Resources: 1) Have you lost your spark? Many of us have and we are not along. Check-out this article from Natalie Romero by clicking here -  I Am Struggling With Low-Grade Depression | Learning (cbc.ca) 2) "livehappy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy," by Deborah K. Heisz. This books offers "stories and wisdom of Everyday Happiness."  I found reading this book helpful in terms of coming up with ideas for my Self-Case Self-Assessment questionnaire (Feed your mind, Mind your thoughts, Watch your words, Keep good company).  Pick up the book at your local library or get it on Amazon by clicking here - Live Happy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy eBook: Heisz, Deborah K.: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store 3) "Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization," by Scott Barry Kaufman.  This book is a personal favourite as it builds upon the foundational thinking of Abraham H. Maslow, who for me, was a grandparent of Positive Psychology.  I have always been drawn to the hierarchy of needs as the necessary infrastructure for good mental health.  Scott offers a new "Sailboat" metaphor for capturing the essence of Maslow's thought.  The new discussion includes a discussion of transcendence in the framework of security and growth needs.  Hopefully soon, one will be able to find the book at one's local library, but if not, you can click on this link to Amazon: Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization eBook: Kaufman, Scott Barry: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store 4) Scott Barry Kaufman also hosts his own podcast called "The Psychology Podcast," where he explores the depth of human potential.  On the most recent episode I listened to with special guest Sharon Salzberg, the conversation was about the benefits of incorporating mindfulness into our lives as we struggle collectively with experiences of anxiety, grief, anger and utter exhaustion (one culprit being decision fatigue).  Click here to access the podcast - Homepage | Scott Barry Kaufman 5) To learn "How to Write Your Own Prescription for Self-Care," click here: How to Write Your Own Prescription for Self-Care (winniepalmerhospital.com) 6) Check out this article entitled, "When feeling lonely and unhappy veers into depression: challenges of these pandemic holidays," from CBC news to explore ideas, links and videos about how to stand up to depression.  Click here - When feeling lonely and unhappy veers into depression: challenges of these pandemic holidays | CBC News I hope you find the various resources helpful and perhaps you might add some to your spiritual toolbox.  Here my invitation stands: What 10 things would you include on your weekly self-care self-assessment?   Related Episodes: 1) Episode 34 - Seriously? Oh my G.A.A.D! - A Sanity Quickie … (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) 2) Episode 36 - One Word (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) 3) Episode 41 - Morning Prayer to Start Off the Day (hopefulhumanistcafe.com) Please email me at hopefulhumanistcafe@gmail.com to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.   Peace, take care, be well, and share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!