“An unexamined life is not worth living” - Socrates (469-399 B.C.)
- The art of happy and fun living
- philosophical contributions of Socrates and Epicures
- positive approach about crises, negative thoughts or experiencing life dilemmas
- regarding life as meaningful and an exciting challenge
- seeking own solutions, a vision, mission and programme of action regarding personal dilemmas, depressing or stressful situations and experiences.
It is claimed that every individual asks him/herself at on time or another, sometimes calmly and meditatively, sometimes in agonising uncertainty or despair, the following old, old questions:
What is my goal in life?
What am I striving for?
What is my purpose?
These are very cardinal questions.
One has to examine regularly whether one’s life is of any worth. If there is the slightest doubt about one’s purpose, goal or vision in life, it is time to analyse oneself, and to motivate oneself to tackle life with renewed zeal.
Although only a few philosophical counsellors are practising at this stage in South Africa, philosophical counselling practices are flourishing in various countries internationally (google philosophical counselling for references).
Philosophical skills endeavour to ensure birth, like a midwife, to new ideas aimed at solving the issues that are disrupting the life of an individual.
The background of philosophical counselling dates back to the era of Socrates.
The Socratic methodology was based primarily on questioning and investigating issues.
The philosophical counselling process developed by Dr Johann Broodryk of South Africa, in his book “Ubuntu: Life coping skills from Africa”, is divided into five basic steps.
Firstly, the genuine problem/issue or problems/issues have to be identified and isolated.
Secondly, a vision (dream, an ideal situation without the problem/issue, meaning the situation after the problem has been eliminated) is formulated. A vision has to be practical and attainable.
Thirdly, a mission (the how? statement, the method) has to be compiled. Resources available have to be identified and utilised fully. They could include human allies; physical objects and even abstract phenomena. The latter could include religious beliefs (like one finds amongst certain tribes in New Zealand) and conventions or communication with ancestors as one experiences with Africans.
Fourthly, an 'Obstacles, Negatives, Positives and Outcomes' (ONPO)-analysis is developed of the internal and external situation in an integrated way. This integrated approach allows for more freedom of thought to the person since there are no limitations in the space of thinking: there are no restrictions in the rational planning process.
Fifthly, after allocating these generated ideas and putting them in perspective, a personal action plan has to be developed, and implemented in specific time frames.
For more info, contact Dr. Johann Broodryk
Cell: +27 83 432 9052
johann@ubunturesearch.co.za
