Let's start rehumaning our lives
Who said we have to
live like this?
We were never made to live, learn, and work while running on empty. Our normal is not natural. Not for us. Not for kids. Modern life restricts and denies the human essentials we need to thrive. Rehumaning helps us protect those essentials, so we can reclaim our lives.
A guidebook to rehumaning from the bestselling author of Making It and Whole Child, Whole Life
How We Thrive
Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World
by Stephanie Malia Krauss
Illustrated by Manuel S. Herrera
Rehumaning
/ˌriːˈhjuː.mən.ɪŋ/ · verb
1. Practice of protecting human essentials. When modern life deprives us of what we need, rehumaning helps us reclaim how we are meant to live.
2. Science-backed, all-ages way to thrive.
3. Daily decision to prioritize the best parts of being human for ourselves and others.
Modern Life Deprives Us of What We Need to Thrive
Modern life has stretched us to our limits. Crises are constant and compounded. We worry about the future. Global stressors are personal, and personal stressors are plentiful. There is too much to do and not enough time. Kids are too tired to play. Teens fall asleep at school and struggle with anxiety. Young adults burn out. We struggle to keep up with life demands. Modern life is overwhelming and full of constant stress. We need relief or things will get worse.
Rehumaning: The Practice of Protecting Your Human Essentials
Most of us know what we need to thrive, but struggle to protect those essentials in a world that often restricts or rejects them. This is most true for kids stuck in settings they cannot leave. Rehumaning is the practice—for self, settings, and systems—of prioritizing our human essentials.
BODY
Eat
Sleep
Move
Regulate
MIND
Play
Wonder
Create
Flow
HEART
Connect
Love
Belong
SPIRIT
Celebrate
Contribute
Believe
Building in Time for Mindful Transitions
Recently, I arrived early to a training to sit, be in the space, and enjoy tea. I've also been starting my mornings by drinking a glass of water and then doing a qigong morning practice.
— Cat L., social change facilitator
How People Are Rehumaning Their Lives
Real stories from people reclaiming their time, attention, and connection by rehumaning their lives.
How are you rehumaning?
What are you doing to make yourself or kids feel healthier, happier, and whole? Share your story or strategy for the chance to be featured on this site and the Rehumaning Our Lives Substack.
Stopping to Watch the Sunset
Last night, my husband and I turned our porch swing to the west and just sat there watching the sunset for a half hour.
— Cara M., homeschooling mom
Choosing to Move Close to Family
We decided it's time to pick up and move closer to family, so we're trying to make that happen. Working full-time with little kids away from any family just feels impossible sometimes.
— Allie F., mom & nonprofit leader