She Talks Asia: What it means "to be"

Notes on the Humanities & She Talks Asia's iMatter conference on mental well-being #mentalhealthmonth

I often received questions like “What’s that course, Humanities? Is it the study of humans?”; “Why the Humanities and not something more practical?”; and “What sort of jobs can you do after that?” And in those moments, I'd find myself contemplating how I can best answer the questions for people to understand what it is, what I saw in it, and what it means for the future.

Defining the Humanities

If you look up humanities in Merriam-Webster, you’ll come across four definitions.

1: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition: the quality or state of being humane; 2: of being human

3: the branches of learning (such as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics).

4: the totality of human beings: the human race : humankind

Stanford explains it as the“study of how people process and document the human experience.” Such experience is recorded through modes of expression: “philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history and language.” Knowledge of these records “allows us to feel a sense of connection to those who have come before us, as well as to our contemporaries.”

It can be said that the humanities DO! study humans: that of being human and the human experience. What are called "schools of discipline," branches of learning," or "modes of expression" are explored to a) liberate the human being, b) holistically understand how humans have externalized themselves, and c) realize that these are what keeps humankind connected.

iMatter: a conference on mental well-being by She Talks Asia

Founders of She Talks Asia: Lyn, Iza, Victoria, and Bianca

To celebrate #mentalhealthmonth, I attended a conference that openly discussed mental well being. Speakers shared personal stories of overcoming heavy and traumatic experiences---opening conversation on mental health issues, knowing when to seek medical help, and introducing mental healing and care approaches.

What they commonly applied to themselves and they were advised to do were therapeutic activities which allowed them to process their emotions and memories, accept their past or condition, and express themselves through the arts and sciences. Activities such as poetry writing, dance movement, theater arts, painting, photography, spirituality, and outdoor adventures were their means of coping and self care.

One of the speakers which I earnestly appreciated was Juls Rodriguez because of how he shared tips on mental survival. He noted that these are ways of caring for one's mental health:

1. Be here now. Practice awareness.

2. Find your tether. That one thing that can keep you inspired.

3. Know that some people don't play by the rules.

4. Understand medication, therapy, and healing.

5. Sharing your story is building power.

Juls Rodriguez on Rising above Challenges

Finding Foundation in the Humanities

The conference enlightened me with a new idea: the best way (and the right time) to answer (is now): Why the Humanities?

More than theory, appreciation, and knowledge, the Humanities (unknowingly) equipped me for real life. All those readings and papers and discussions opened my mind to life's possibilities, strengthened my faith and life philosophies; and enabled me to narrate and share experiences and what experience brings: feelings and wisdom through literature, music, and art. What I thought was just an interest actually brought in a sort of balance in my lifestyle.

So maybe, this is the future.

Grounding ourselves with the help of the humanities in dealing with relevant issues like mental health is what we need now, more than ever. Life has seemingly grown more complex because of enhanced technology and adjustments in the workplace. What we think are just for leisure, short breaks, hobbies, and passion projects are now transforming into something as essential as work for well being's sake. Isabelle Daza did address that "we are human beings...not human doings. It is enough for us to be."

This is what it means to be.