Human Flourishing

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What is Human Flourishing?

In this blog post:

• Human flourishing is introduced. This is linked, for example, to personal growth, well-being, and having a sense of purpose;
• The significance of equitable access and embracing human diversity is raised; and,
• Approaches to enhancing human flourishing are presented.

Flourishing represents the ultimate achievement in the field of psychological sciences, serving as a cornerstone in the realm of positive psychology (Schotanus-dijkstra,  et al., 2016 ).  Those who flourish are characterised by their exceptional levels of health and overall well-being. The concept of flourishing is not constrained by rigid barriers, as its scope encompasses various factors such as biological, demographic, developmental, social, and contextual elements.

Essential elements of self-care involve being purposeful, incorporating all aspects of oneself, alternating between activities, and flourishing. Self-care frequently acknowledges the importance of relationships. On the one hand, being prosperous and thriving are sometimes associated with the terms “self care” and  “flourishing.” Additionally, human flourishing is connected to spiritual, philosophical, and contemplative activities that could promote the growth of pro-social behaviour (Briggs & Reiss, 2021; Warne, 2015).  However, on the other hand, survival could also mean a rudimentary kind of life where danger lurks.

Equality of Access

For humans to flourish, it is essential that they have the opportunities to engage in meaningful work and have access to the basic fulfillment of their physiological and safety requirements (Clark, & Gevorkyan, 2020). Artificial intelligence may have a significant impact on human well-being, yet it is shaped by the divide between individuals with access to technology and those without.

Each person, all things considered, regardless of their ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, age, disability, or any other attribute, deserves to be treated with respect and proper acknowledgment of their unique identity, and right to actively engage in human affairs (Charter of Rights and Freedoms 1982 (C) s, 15, U.S. Const. art. XIV). Read more at Human Rights.

Human Variations

Peoples’ characteristics and factors can significantly influence interpersonal dynamics, communication patterns, the overall quality of relationships, and their potential to flourish. The following brief outline illustrates examples where people may vary, and share a common human heritage.

Age

Differences in age may impact relationship aims, energy levels, and perspectives, which may require dialogue or negotiation.

Breastfeeding

This may impact intimacy, time management, and emotional dynamics, especially when parents need to adjust to a different role when they raise a child.

Caregiver Role

Caring for a child, senior, or person with disabilities may bring joy and heighten stress impacting the quality of relationships.

Disability

This can impact affective and physical intimacy, communication, and accessibility aspects in relationships.

Employment Role

Work distress, career goals, or contrasting occupational schedules may affect quality time and financial considerations.

Ethnicity

Cultural dissimilarities or shared attributes can shape values, traditions, and communications.

Gender Identity

Comprehending and supporting each other’s gender identity is essential to fostering mutual respect and affective links.

Industrial Engagement

This can be  associated with work-life balance and stress management, particularly in high-risk or high-demand occupations.

Geographical Location

This may be linked with access and choices in goods and services.

Marital or Intimate Partner Role

Your assumptions around marital or intimate partner roles and responsibilities may impact relationship satisfaction.

Parental Role

Decisions about parenting, child-rearing practices, and shared duties can impact relationship quality.

Physical Aspects

Changes in appearance or health may impact self-esteem, attraction, and intimacy.

Political Convictions or Practices

Contrasting political opinions may contribute to conflicts or calls for conciliation to enhance respect for persons.

Pregnancy

Can usher in affective and physical changes that impact intimacy, stress levels, and relationship considerations.

Profession, Trade, or Occupation

Career choices may be linked to financial stability and lifestyle choices.

Religious Beliefs or Practices

Spiritual dissimilarities or similarities can  influence values, lifestyle choices, and relationship practices.

Sexual Attributes

These may include priorities and expectations regarding physical and affective intimacy.

Sexual Orientation

Comprehending each other’s orientation and requirements can foster empathy, trust, and connection.

On the hand, there is insufficient access to technology , for instance, to learn new things throughout life or just to stay informed. On the other hand, there could be an over reliance on it while making employment-related decisions.

Discrimination and bias within the workplace manifest in various forms, including those stemming from algorithmic processes. Effective January 1, 2026, H.B. 3733 will be enacted, amending the Illinois Human Rights Act to address employment-related issues (Bradley, 2024, Mobley & Eigen, 2024).

H.B. 3733  mandates that employers assess their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), inform employees, update their policies, provide training to staff, and ensure adherence to emergent legal standards. Furthermore, employers are required to notify employees and applicants when AI, including generative technology, is utilized in making employment-related decisions, which encompass areas from recruitment to termination. Employers who fail to comply with these regulations may face financial penalties and potential legal action.

Promoting Human Flourishing

Methods to promote human flourishing extend to include stress assessments. These ways include monitoring stress levels and identifying triggers. Additionally, you can be aided in your pursuit of flourishing through mediation, counselling, and various support services. Such services may  enhance cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual flourishing. Furthermore, be aware of how important lifelong learning may be in maximizing skills and knowledge.

Opportunities within educational and professional settings can foster the development of supportive and meaningful social connections. Moreover, a consistent regimen of physical exercise, along with practices such as mindfulness and gratitude, constitutes a comprehensive approach to flourish. This, in turn, may assist in balancing work and life considerations. To flourish, incorporate various strategies, for example, nine interconnected methods to flourish appear next.

• Stress assessments

Regularly evaluate and identify  sources of stress in your life. Eventually, you develop effective coping mechanisms and reduce their impact on your well-being.

• Therapeutic breathing exercises

Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, can help. Afterward, these exercises help in  reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall mental well-being.

• Relaxation techniques

Engaging in activities like meditation, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation. Eventually, these techniques have the potential to  calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

• Positive imagery

Visualise positive outcomes and focus on optimistic thoughts. Thereafter, this imagery can help  in improving mood, motivation, and overall mental health.

• Setting personal and social goals

Establish clear and achievable goals. These can provide a means of breaking down challenges into tangible steps. As a result, goals may help to gain a sense of purpose, direction, and fulfillment, contributing to a flourishing mindset.

• Effective time management

Prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and organizing your schedule. Consequently, time management may help in reducing stress, increasing productivity, and creating a better work-life balance.

• Improving dietary habits

Nourishing your body with a balanced and nutritious diet can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. These habits, for example, provide the energy and nutrients needed for optimal functioning.

• Transitioning from rigid stances to shared and individual interests

Being open to new experiences, exploring different perspectives, and finding a balance between personal and social interests may contribute to personal growth and flourishing.

• Seeking targeted assistance

In times of difficulty and when you are facing barriers, reaching out to family, friends, mediators, counsellors, coaches, or mentors can offer direction, motivation, and aid. Eventually, they may help you to create life plans for self-improvement and wellness.

People often have varying perspectives. Keep in mind that flourishing is both an individual and a shared experience. It is often useful to  discover methods and plans that are most effective for you, even in challenging and exceptional circumstances. To facilitate human flourishing we could incorporate techniques from therapeutic breathing exercises into setting goals.

In Closing

This blog post explored the following topics:

• The concept of human flourishing and its common interpretations;
• Key elements including equitable access and human diversity;
• Strategies aimed at enhancing human flourishing, which include stress evaluations and the pursuit of holistic support, and,
• Information on how to reach out to us.

We frequently achieve our greatest potential when we focus on personal development and support the growth of others through  Relationships Counselling.

How to Contact Us.

References

Briggs, A. & Reiss, M.J. (2021, October ). Human Flourishing: Scientific insight and spiritual wisdom in uncertain times. Oxford Academic.
https://academic.oup.com/book/39249?login=false

Clark, C.M.A. & Gevorkyan, A.V. (2020, October). Artificial Intelligence and Human Flourishing, American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 79 (4), 1307- 1344.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajes.12356

Danaher, J. (2020). Automation and utopia: human flourishing in a world without work. Harvard University.

https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvn5txpc

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, s 15, Part 1 of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c 11.

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/check/art15.html

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789). Yale Law School.

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/rightsof.asp 

Jackson, W.J. & Yuengert, A.R. (2024, August 15). Illinois Civil Rights Protection Goes High-Tech: Illinois Human Rights Act Expanded to Include AI Regulation. Labor and Employment Insights. Bradley.
https://www.employmentlawinsights.com/2024/08/illinois-civil-rights-protection-goes-high-tech-illinois-human-rights-act-expanded-to-include-ai-regulation/#page=1

Mobley, T. & Eigen, Z. (2024). Illinois becomes second state to enact AI law for employers. DLA Piper.

https://www.dlapiper.com/en-bh/insights/publications/2024/08/illinois-becomes-second-state-to-enact-ai-law-for-employers

Schotanus-dijkstra, M., Pieterse, M.E., Drossaert, CH, Westerhof, G.J., de Graff, R. Et al (2016, August). What Factors are Associated with Flourishing? Results from a Large Representative National Sample. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17 (4), 1351-1370. DOI: 10.1007/s10902-015-9647-3.

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-26691-001

U.S. Const. art. XIV, § 3.

https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/section-3/

Warne, N.A. (2015). Josef Piper on the Spiritual Life: Creation, Contemplation, and Human Flourishing. University of Notre Dame.
https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268204952/josef-pieper-on-the-spiritual-life/

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