Deliberation

Medicine Buddha

This practical humanist is considering changing his medium in 2014. This would hopefully cause me to stretch my mind in another direction. I plan to continue publishing a daily expression as part of my practice. My current thoughts are centered more on the format of my creative expression and the locale. 

I have used Blogger since 2005, beginning with Buddha's Pillow, my first daily blog on the Web. Buddha's Pillow was inspired by my four decades of independent study of Eastern Thought while practicing a life based in ethical thought and behavior.  In 2010, I put aside Buddha's Pillow in favor of The Practical Humanist. This paralleled my increased involvement with Harvard University's Humanist Chaplaincy. This transition between blogs was a form of reshaping and renewal. 

Possible confusion between what is seen as a Humanist Movement and what I perceive as humanist lifestyle, or daily practice, in the minds of my readers concerns me. Humanist Movement, meant as a social-political movement of non-religious people, and a personal humanist practice are not synonymous, just as Roman Catholicism is not synonymous with rigorously practicing a Christian ethic in daily life. The bejeweled Cardinal is not similar in most ways to the Christian who chooses to work daily for near-minimum wages in a homeless shelter. 

What form this change in expressing the thoughts from my practice may take is unclear as I write this essay. My creative process is in gear. I am considering my skills and needs for improvement in my use of current communication technology. Whatever forms I may use will still reflect the same basic process, my own daily practice of what I consider a practical and humanist lifestyle.