Humanist Thought of the Week

Can Humanists Practice Yoga?

Yes.

First, we humanists have no dogma. There is no right or wrong way to do Humanism.

If something works for you, do it.

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What do you care?

Does it really matter if other people like you?

Making friends is hard work.

You have to put yourself out there and risk rejection.

This fear of rejection, like all fears, makes people do stupid things.

In this case, it makes you focus on the wrong thing.

Instead of worrying about whether other people will like you, you should be worried about whether YOU like them.

If you don’t like them, then it won’t matter if they don’t like you.

If you do like them, chances are, they will like you too, because people like people who like them.

And if they don’t, so be it.

The more you can focus on liking other people, the less weird you will act because you won’t be consumed by your own irrational fears.

It will also prevent you from chasing after friendships that are toxic.

Realistic Optimism

Humanists are optimists.

We may seem cock-eyed at times, but that is deceptive.

Our optimism is tempered by our reason.

We are firmly grounded in reality and take extraordinary measures to make sure we stay grounded.

Despite that grounding, our heads are in the clouds.

Always thinking about what might be or could be.

The nice thing about realistic optimism is that when a realist dreams, their dreams, because they are based in reality, are achievable. 

My optimism helps me to stay motivated despite it all and my acceptance of the hardships of reality helps ensure that my plans have a good chance of success.

Don’t think of realism and optimism as opposites. 

They are powerful compliments to each other.

Moral Character

Your moral character is dependent on your morals. Spend some time thinking about them. 

The old saying goes “you can tell a person’s character by how they act when they think no one is looking.”

Having character is all about not just having morals, but living by your morals.

To do that, you have to have morals.

How do you get morals?

By thinking about what it is you value and why.

Take the time to think about what sort of person you want to be and then set about being that person.

Take the time to think through your actions before you act to make sure your actions are consistent with your professed morals.

Not because you want people to think well of you, but because YOU want to think well of you.

Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, the Humanistic Psychologist, proposed that we are motivated by a hierarchy of needs. 

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