"We can harmonize hedonic well-being (a pleasurable life) with eudaimonic well-being. The latter entails the pursuit of virtues, values, and personal development" I love this! And you taught me a new word.
I have often contemplated the balance between indulgence and joy (we talked about it I think). As always your nuance and humor helps us see the middle path just a bit more clearly. You make us all wiser friend. Kudos.
Noticing how good you are at bringing ancient concepts to ultra-modern settings. This final version is superb, more while noticing all the Zen background it has. It's such a slippery slope, this pleasure thing, and Pleasure Maturation is a road I'm walking with you haha this tools and examples are very memorable.
Also, your last paragraphs remind me of a quote I keep close, as a constant reminder: "I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn't nice, I don't know what is."
Great piece, Rach. Your voice comes through unequivocally, as it always happens. I could have people read you to me and recognize you on the spot. I think, in the end, the message is to step up, elevate, and continue to look at all these things from above, with detachment. Purges are a short-term remedy, as you rightly pointed out.
such a lovely piece! I definitely resonated with the idea of trying to find balance instead of extremes. but it's hard man😭. especially for us writers who might be trying to build an audience. I've found that "balance" looks very different for each platform. for example, when I need to use Instagram (to post a snippet from my newsletter), I download the app, post and immediately delete it. which is a little ridiculous but I've learned I don't want the app just chilling on my phone. I don't want to scroll IG but then I spend hours on YouTube...so yeah, definitely a work-in-progress.
I’d have to say reading this brought me pleasure, knowing you brings me pleasure. As an elder it’s lack of pain that produces pleasure. I’m not even sure that I can still recognize pleasure when it occurs.
Tobi, thanks for reading! I have a similar habit with Instagram. I download it to do one thing then immediately delete the app. This time, I’ve taken an extended break by deactivating my account. It’s strange, and a little funny to think about, how we have to regulate these stimulating platforms like any other “vice.” On the other hand, I still have YouTube on my phone, but I think the long format nudges me to be more mindful of my content consumption. Of course, watching a video is a bigger time investment than looking at photos and bite sized reels, but the latter things aren’t as fulfilling or valuable to consume.
"We can harmonize hedonic well-being (a pleasurable life) with eudaimonic well-being. The latter entails the pursuit of virtues, values, and personal development" I love this! And you taught me a new word.
I have often contemplated the balance between indulgence and joy (we talked about it I think). As always your nuance and humor helps us see the middle path just a bit more clearly. You make us all wiser friend. Kudos.
I think you should start a band called, "The Hedonic Eudaimonics."
This line though. “Our tastes should mature like a fine red wine, developing complexity and depth over time.” 🤌🏼
Noticing how good you are at bringing ancient concepts to ultra-modern settings. This final version is superb, more while noticing all the Zen background it has. It's such a slippery slope, this pleasure thing, and Pleasure Maturation is a road I'm walking with you haha this tools and examples are very memorable.
Also, your last paragraphs remind me of a quote I keep close, as a constant reminder: "I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn't nice, I don't know what is."
Great piece, Rach. Your voice comes through unequivocally, as it always happens. I could have people read you to me and recognize you on the spot. I think, in the end, the message is to step up, elevate, and continue to look at all these things from above, with detachment. Purges are a short-term remedy, as you rightly pointed out.
such a lovely piece! I definitely resonated with the idea of trying to find balance instead of extremes. but it's hard man😭. especially for us writers who might be trying to build an audience. I've found that "balance" looks very different for each platform. for example, when I need to use Instagram (to post a snippet from my newsletter), I download the app, post and immediately delete it. which is a little ridiculous but I've learned I don't want the app just chilling on my phone. I don't want to scroll IG but then I spend hours on YouTube...so yeah, definitely a work-in-progress.
I love the line “harmonize hedonic well being” suck a great piece and makes me think about my own evolving relationship with the internet
I’d have to say reading this brought me pleasure, knowing you brings me pleasure. As an elder it’s lack of pain that produces pleasure. I’m not even sure that I can still recognize pleasure when it occurs.
Tobi, thanks for reading! I have a similar habit with Instagram. I download it to do one thing then immediately delete the app. This time, I’ve taken an extended break by deactivating my account. It’s strange, and a little funny to think about, how we have to regulate these stimulating platforms like any other “vice.” On the other hand, I still have YouTube on my phone, but I think the long format nudges me to be more mindful of my content consumption. Of course, watching a video is a bigger time investment than looking at photos and bite sized reels, but the latter things aren’t as fulfilling or valuable to consume.