6. PERSONAL PRACTICE

Version 1.2 December 2013                                         (Previous Version)

The most critical outcome of this Reasonable Global Way is the behavioural choices we make on a moment by moment basis, based on our beliefs about the world and choices that reflect our values.

We are confident that philosophy provides a theoretical analysis based on reason. Science and history provide a practical analysis of how we got to be as we are, based on both reason and the evidence.  Religion provides multiple narratives, rules and diverse exemplary models, each capable of a range of interpretations.  The arts, media and culture provide a similar plethora of narratives and models.  Given all this information, now we have to choose our path, which way to go.

There are no gods forcing us to choose one way or the other, and, perhaps, if the universe is not deterministic, no laws of nature.  On what grounds do we choose?  Firstly, if our choices are not random, we base them on reasonable beliefs that are most likely to provide the outcomes we hope for when we choose, but at best the consequences are uncertain.  We use commitments to

a)     Truth and Diversity: uncertain but coherent and consistent (as per Chapter 1.1 Epistemology);

b)     Reality: the shared, public reality of common sense (as per Chapter 1.2 Metaphysics);

c)     Life: as opposed to death or the afterlife (as described in Chapter 1.3 Theology);

d)     Love, Responsibility and Equality: what is “goodâ€� (as described in Chapter 1.5 Ethics);

e)     Beauty: what evokes positive emotions (as described in Chapter 1.6 Aesthetics); and

f)      Hope: our choice to act as though things can get better (as described in Part 3 History).

Our personal practice is not a fixed set of rituals that we perform in a religious setting or removed from daily life: our personal practice is our daily life.  Our behaviour is our person, in practice.

We promote neither a hedonistic life style nor a social strait jacket.  A Reasonable Global Way is a balance of personal freedom with social responsibility – to contribute to the community to the degree we are able.  As we choose, hopefully, as time goes on, we learn to do better, for ourselves and our communities.  As the Buddha said, we need to be more skilful.

We look at personal practice under these headings, to learn how to behave in each area:

Personal Values:	How can we choose, and justify, our values?	Is it reasonable to break down personal practice into these seven areas, to present a reasonable basis for our behaviour? Click on feedback, or add a comment below, to tell us if you agree or disagree, or suggest improvements.
Integration:	How do we look after our mental health?
Physical Health:	How do we look after our bodily health?
Relationships:	What guidelines are best for our friendships and sexual relationships?
Family:	What obligations do we have to our families?
Community:	What principles should guide us in our dealings with our communities?
Spirituality:	Is there a place for spirituality in modern life?

The values we adopt in our personal lives lead on to our political values, covered in Part 7.