don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

OK, let's assume for a moment that you have an appreciation for, as well as a habit of, actually practicing a healthy lifestyle. You understand the importance of self-responsibility and look for ways to assume it at all times. You are physically fit, you follow sound nutritional principles and managing stress is a piece of cake. Great -- that's a strong foundation for wellness. In addition, you take self-management to the next level while remaining open to new ways to have fun and find meaning, satisfaction and added purpose in your life and work. That's terrific. Finally, as if that were not quite enough, you consciously shape a supportive environment and maintain a positive mindset and perspective. Is there anything left to do, or have you ascended to the zenith, the apex or summit of wellness artistry? You're set for life, right? What else could you do? You sound awesome and simply wonderful. If you get any weller, you'll be insufferable!

Not really. There is yet another concept you might want to adopt and refine to complement your growing body of talents and capacities as a lifestyle artist. You can add bemused skepticism to your already formidable self-management repertoire!

Bemused skepticism or BS is a quality that entails reserving judgment or a decision about anything important until you have had time to apply your critical thinking talents to the matter at hand.

Let's say someone tells you he has a product, say a line of vitamin and mineral supplements that will increase your energy, shrink your derriere or grow hair on top of your head. What say you? Following the style of a BS artist, you would be attentive, respectful and kind, and even aloof or seemingly impressed, but you would not buy or otherwise decide in favor, either. You would instead employ an attitude of bemused skepticism! Assuming you were even mildly interested, you would ask for evidence, and require that it be from a disinterested third party -- and take your time before deciding one way or the other.

What do you think -- am I on to something here or does practicing bemused skepticism keep you from leaping forward to make a commitment at this stage? Consider, if you will, that an idea need not be perfect. As you might have heard, the perfect is the enemy of the good -- guard against the idea that you have to get it all just right before making a few things better than they were before.

With that segue, let me tell you about the latest Congressional folly that, as an enthusiast for secular democracy, I find appalling. Our U.S. Congress passed a resolution (HR 153) by a vote of 346 to 49 declaring a "public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings and protection of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces." We are invited by this Congressional resolution to "submit to the wisdom and love of God..." in order that we might benefit from His "enduring grace and benevolence." In addition, the Congressional resolution urges Americans "to pray, fast and seek guidance from God."

Is this not a time for bemused skepticism? Is it appropriate for our government to promote religious devotion? Is it sensible to rely on prayer and fasting to protect the troops? Does the Congress have a back-up plan? Could religious people not fast and pray without congressional authorization? If this resolution is a good idea, why not a similar one asking God to intervene in the stock market, the health care system, or doing something about the national debt?

I wonder if those who express contempt for such political piety, who favor the continued separation of church and state, who express cynicism about the value of fasting and prayer for advancing varied American interests, will be seen as unpatriotic or non-supportive of the troops?

I hope not. I'm simply practicing bemused skepticism, and I urge you to do the same. I continue to urge that you look on the bright side of life, despite the follies of our Congress.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of effective decisions. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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