Naturalistic Humanism is filled with big ideas — the Naturalistic Model provides a conceptual framework for improving our lives, our relationships, and our world. And adopting an experimental mindset helps us become better at critical thinking and broadening our understanding. But despite the intellectual benefits of Naturalistic Humanism, conveying its ideas only intellectually would be a mistake, drastically reducing its potential reach.
Because they are so divergent from traditional teachings, if the ideas of Naturalistic Humanism are presented purely on an intellectual level, they are likely to be dismissed. When most people encounter an intellectual presentation that contradicts their existing beliefs, they are inclined to receive it in a diminished or distorted way. New ideas presented only intellectually get filtered through a maze of cognitive biases.
Numerous studies that suggest that a powerful factor in how most people process new information is confirmation bias — information conflicting with our existing beliefs tends to be dismissed, while information confirming existing beliefs is embraced. Confirmation bias is a well-documented, widespread effect with several causes. A frequently cited explanation involves our highly social nature and our need to remain connected to the group with which we identify. We might think of confirmation bias, and other cognitive biases that dispose people to not challenge their beliefs, as an intellectual barrier wall that new ideas must navigate around, if they are to be accepted.
Fortunately, without resorting to tactics that are inculcative, coercive, or inconsistent with its values, the essential components of Naturalistic Humanism can be conveyed in ways which meet a variety of participant’s non-intellectual needs. When these needs are satisfied some our most meaningful and moving experiences occur.
Connecting with people by meeting their non-intellectual needs can include sharing feelings through communication, sensitivity, and encounter-based exercises. Also included can be activities involving meditation, creativity, voice, breath work, music, and fun. Activities should help participants connect in ways that are warm and gratifying.