The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

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....

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 y...

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...

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 t...

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 thi...

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-Connectio...

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...

This episode explores a philosophical explanation for anxiety as presented by the Absurdist philosopher, Albert Camus.  The resource highlighted is AnxietyBC at: https://www.anxietybc.com/ . When we confront the absurd how can we not but become overwhelmed. During these moments, however, when we realize the stuff of life is paradox, irony, and contradiction, we are presented with an opportunity to...

In Episode 5 entitled "Causes of Depression and Common Place Insanity - Part II," Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, revists the three resources presented in Episode 4.  These two episodes are merely the start of a larger discussion about depression.  The focus was on a narrow topic area - causes of depression with quick mention made about three approaches to treatment (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, a...

In Episode 4 entitled "Causes of Depression and Common Place Insanity - Part I," Steve, The Hopeful Humanist, will explore three resources for your Spiritual Tool box.  We will look at the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) website, discuss some ideas presented in a book called "Lost Connections: Uncovering the real causes of depression-and the unexpected solutions" by Johann Hari (2018)...

Check out www.dolivewell.ca  and go to the Tools and Resources section to complete the Life Balence Inventory.  While you will have to share some demographic informatioin no sign-up is required.  Here at the Hopeful Humanist Cafe, we will continue to explore resources for your spiritual tool box and assist you with your self-directed curriculum for wellness.  To read the full news article discusse...

Welcome again to the Hopeful Humanist Cafe with your host Steve, the Hopeful Humanist.  During this 2nd episode we will explore the website Authentic Happiness at  https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ .  Reflect upon the benefits of incorporating this resource into your self-directed wellness curriculum for happiness.  Take the VIA (Values in Action) Survey of Character Strengths and disc...

Welcome to spiritual blitherings, philisophical ponderings, and everything ramblings at the Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  Here you can explore resources for your spiritual toolbox.  Episode one, The Happier Quest, focuses on getting familiar with the website www.actionforhappiness.org  . Additional resources suggested to explore include Tal Ben-Shahar's Harvard lecture series about Positive Psychology a...