Eudaimonia
In my University this week we discussed pleasures verses gratifications. Pleasures are fleeting, like eating chocolate. If we eat too often it loses its happy zing. One way to enhance simple pleasures is to spread them out, which keeps them from habituating.
Gratification on the other hand is an activity that produces eudaimonia (happiness with a noble purpose). It is the total absorption and the suspension of consciousness, a flow state – not the presence of pleasure but the being present with what is. After a gratification activity we feel deep gratification. Yoga or my art work puts me in that flow state: concentration, the task is challenging and requires skill, the goal is clear, and time stops.
Flow activities are good for the soul and our psychological health. The qualities of gratification dispels self-absorption and enhances well-being. Here’s my painting of a friends daughter, Harper. Eudiamonia!
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