Our mission:
Helping people flourish
This might sound like a lofty goal. It is. But that's what we're all about.
You might notice that the word 'happy' isn't in our mission. The idea of being happy all the time is nuts. Human beings are complex, sensitive creatures. We think and feel a vast array of things, many of which are not even under our control. To aim at being happy all the time is like aiming to use only the first five letters of the alphabet when you speak. It's only a small portion of the natural range of human emotion. In fact the very act of chasing happiness causes unhappiness.
Flourishing is a much deeper, more resilient, and enduring goal. It's more aligned with reality. Flourishing is about relishing the experience of being alive. It embraces everything that life throws at us - the good, the bad and the ugly. It is about living well, living fully, embracing the whole of life in all of its colours, it's about thriving.
To decide if our programs and tools are for you, click below. To find out more about the idea of flourishing, read on.
Flourishing
The idea of a flourishing life comes originally from the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. It's rooted in the word 'eudaimonia' which means 'good spirit' or 'the highest human good' and is related to 'excellence' and 'wellbeing'. The pleasant emotional states we call 'happiness' are definitely a part of the flourishing life, maybe even a frequent part. But they are only a part.
The contemporary field of Positive Psychology also gives a perspective on flourishing. One of the founders of its resurgence, Martin Seligman, defines flourishing as doing well in four areas: pleasure, engagement, achievement and meaning.
The character who's had the single greatest influence on Flourish however, is Siddhattha Gotama, commonly known as 'The Buddha'. His insights into the experience of being human are deep, profound and very practical. Flourish is rooted firmly in Gotama's key insights as gleaned from the most original recorded version of his teachings: the Pali canon. Flourish also lends from modern psychology where it's helpful.
If you'd like to know more about the Buddha's teachings in a non-religious, practical way, check out my book - The Buddha for Modern Minds: a non-religious guide to the Buddha and his teachings here.
