#299: What Does it Mean to Be Human?

“I feel like we often have way more in reserve and within our potential than we can even imagine. I feel like if we're going to err on one side or the other, we err for safety as humans. We err for comfort. We err for pleasure. We err on the side of conserving energy. So I feel like a lot of us have so much untapped potential. There is more left in the tank. You haven't even explored what you have in there.” —Dr. Yami

Have you ever pondered the sheer scale of your untapped potential or the true meaning of your quest for significance in this world? Join me, Dr. Yami, as we journey through the intricacies of human nature, uncovering the delicate balance between our inherent imperfections and our profound capabilities for transformation.

Listen in as we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and empathy that define our species. I challenge you to consider how we might tip the scales towards optimizing our potential, encouraging a delicate dance between the comforts of the known and the exhilarating unknown of our full capabilities. Reflecting on my own experiences and those shared by adventurers and professionals alike, we discuss the unique ways individuals assess risk and pursue their life's calling, urging you to ponder your own definitions and the trajectory you wish to carve out for yourself.

Discussion points:

The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of human
“I’m only human…” - what exactly does that mean?
Quoting Smokey Robinson and Eminem
Being human – a super power vs. an excuse
Four main points about being human
The motivational triad - avoid pain, seek pleasure, conserve energy
Moving beyond the triad
The human soul in the spirit world
 What do you want your human experience to be? There’s no wrong answer!
 Thriving, exploration, risk, discomfort
Are you using ‘being human’ as an excuse not to do more?
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Dr. Yami

Board-Certified Pediatrician, Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com.

Resources:

Book: The Pleasure Trap

More From Dr. Yami: 

TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX 

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/40ZEQpT 

Questions? Email me: podcast@doctoryami.com 

More Listening Options: 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedoctoryami 

Credits: 

Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra 

Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra 

Music: GlowBox Productions, https://glowboxproductions.com   