Episode 18 - Yearning to Yearn, a Gen Z GIG-a-lo, and On Being Radical

Join me as I take a breath and start off the episode by making the power statement that "I am the Mitochondria" to help me sing a debut song to set the scene about how hard it is for parents to make a radical choice to practice self-care while living in an Age of Anxiety.  In this episode, I showcase a book by Ann Douglas called "Happy Parents Happy Kids" where she talks about the importance of self-compassion and self-care for parents as they struggle with a world of "Total Work" (Josef Pieper, 1950) and the "technoference" of mobile technology that is resulting in a generation of distracted parents.  I think this book could be the centre-piece for a book club where parents could come together, create a community, and support one another. 

Showcase Resource:

1) Happy Parents Happy Kids: I got my copy of the book at my local library but if it is not available here is the link at Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Parents-Kids-Ann-Douglas/dp/1443425753/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RY3WFQT3IE0E&keywords=happy+parents+happy+kids&qid=1554063667&s=gateway&sprefix=Happy+Paren%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1 

Other Resources Mentioned:

1) To watch the short clip about yearning click the link attached below. Note, I made a mistake; the scene with George included Kramer and not Jerry.  Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERsI3twlu34

2) If you are interested in reading the Rebel by Camus to explore humanities yearning for unity, head down to your local library or get it at Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rebel-Essay-Man-Revolt/dp/0679733841/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BKEYR8BU808D&keywords=camus+the+rebel&qid=1554055807&s=gateway&sprefix=Camus+%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

3) To watch Gabor Mate talk about his book, "Hold On To Your Kids," click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_akH6Cin6E

Additional Information:

1) The power statement, "I am the Mitochondria" is a playful Hopeful Humanist creation.  Just like the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, one can be the powerhouse of one's self.  Talk about breathing life into one's day.  

2) The term "GIG-a-lo" is not intended to be offensive.  It is an attempt to draw attention to the challenges young people have finding full-time work in our unfolding jobless economy also dubbed the "GIG economy." Instead of regular jobs with benefits, young people are chasing financial security by moving from GIG to GIG.  Also, I should note that I sense the rhythm of my debut song "Nothing But" is borrowed from another song that I cannot place at this time but once it is brought to my attention, I will provide the necessary reference and acknowledgement.  

Peace and Take Care