Let's explore and reclaim pleasure

Instead of a Buddhist wheel of Samsara, my next idea for a drawing is an Epicurean wheel of Pleasure!

Coming soon, and please enjoy your anticipation

As a starting point, I looked at Bentham's list of pleasures, but greatly modified the elements. This is just one conception. Not all of these will apply to everyone (nor appeal to everyone) and this is still a work in progress. Will appreciate any feedback.

My list of pleasures is very different than Bentham's, and in case anyone is curious about Bentham's list, you can find it here:

An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation - Econlib

The First Edition of this work was printed in the year 1780; and first published in 1789. The present Edition is a careful reprint of ‘A New Edition, corrected…

www.econlib.org

For easier reading, here is my list in simple text format:

1. Pleasant sensations - sights, sounds, flavors, scents, skin sensations

2. Pleasant relief - from hunger/thirst; hot/cold; sickness/pain; fear/worry; fatigue/stress

3. Enjoyment of vigor and health - in bodily movement or exertion

4. Enjoyment of novelty - of sensation, new places, new friends, new information, new learning

5. Enjoyment of possessions and the act of acquiring the objects of necessity, well-being, security, or enjoyment

6. Enjoyment of skill, craft, or work - competence of control of tools, technology, or knowledge

7. Enjoyment of friendship - conversation, commonality, emotional intimacy and support, and mutual fun

8. Enjoyment of community - participation, acceptance, and belonging

9. Enjoyment of sports and games

10. Enjoyment of aesthetics - art, music, theater, world culture

11. Enjoyment of pleasant memories

12. Enjoyment of imagination and anticipation

13. Enjoyment of leadership and teaching

14. Enjoyment of giving - service and aid

15. Enjoyment of loving and gratitude

16. Enjoyment of relaxation - solitude, meditation, sleep

Mathitis Kipouros regarding Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I found this article which gave some interesting points, as well as a revised pyramid which replaced self-actualization with parenting

The article says regarding the original pyramid:

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The needs described in Maslow's theory appear to be universal. However, research shows that the order in which these needs are met had little impact on people's satisfaction with life.

....The authors of the article suggested that while self-actualization is still significant and interesting, it is not an evolutionarily fundamental need.

Is Maslow's Famous Hierarchy of Needs Still Relevant Today?

The hierarchy of needs has a history of wide acceptance despite little supporting evidence. Does the theory hold up or is it time for an update?

www.verywellmind.com

It seems to me that Epicureanism goes beyond needs to put a value judgment on finding enjoyment in life -- we are out in the garden of the world actively looking for flowers and not for weeds. And the Tetrapharmakos says: "what is good is easy to get".

Thinking about ways to bring more pleasure into my life, and found this list, which has an assortment of items (but many of these are a matter of personal taste, not all of these would work, and... there could be many more things besides just these 50)...

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50 Enjoyable Activities:

1. Go for a walk
2. Listen to music
3. Take photographs
4. Read a newspaper or magazine
5. Take a bath
6. Sit in the sun
7. Watch a movie
8. Laugh
9. Write in a journal
10. Work on a puzzle
11. Recall a happy memory
12. Coloring
13. Gardening
14. Spend time with friends
15. Do yoga
16. Swimming
17. Singing
18. Dancing
19. Go to a flea market
20. Drawing or doodling
21. Painting
22. Buy fresh flowers
23. Join a book club
24. Go to a farmer’s market
25. Be affectionate with a loved one
26. Play a musical instrument
27. Crafting (crochet, model building)
28. Get a manicure or pedicure
29. Cooking
30. Jogging or running
31. Play a sport
32. Go sightseeing in your own town
33. Read a book
34. Meditate
35. Watch a sunrise or sunset
36. Enjoy a cup of tea
37. Have a picnic
38. Visit a museum
39. Sudoku or a crossword puzzle
40. Play a board game
41. Look at old photos
42. Light a scented candle
43. Call a friend or family member
44. Hiking
45. Get a massage
46. Volunteer
47. Go to the library
48. Go to a park
49. Stargazing
50. Explore somewhere new

Source

And here is another list from another website:

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List Of Pleasurable Activities On Your Own:

Spending time in your own company can be an easy way to increase pleasure – as long as your time is focused on some useful things. Here are some ‘you-time’ activity ideas…

– Read a trashy book
– watch a favourite movie
– Eat something that you haven’t tried for a while
– take a walk and really focus on what’s around you, rather then what’s in your mind
– Play a game or puzzle
– Doodle or draw a picture
– cook a favourite meal
– do an activity that will switch your body on such as a brisk walk or swim.
– Write a bucket list
– Find out more about something that makes you curious.
– dress up in your best clothes, just for the fun of it
– spend an hour spotting local wildlife

List Of Pleasurable Activities To Do With Friends:

Connecting with people that are important to you can be pleasurable in itself, but sharing a common task or goal and keep your mind focused. If this focus is on something pleasurable then you can get two benefits in on!

– Go for a walk together
– Cook a meal for them
– Write or call a friend you have lost touch with
– have a mini fun competition together
– play an old fashioned board game
– sign up to an evening class together
– have a spa day together

List Of Pleasurable Activities To Do With Your Family and Partner :

Spending quality time with your family or partner is a key way to increase your psychological wellbeing. However it is also one of the things that tends to get forgotten about first. Here are some ideas that don’t just mean you are together, but that you actually get to enjoy being together…

– Talk about something you’ve never spoken about before
– Eat a meal together
– visit somewhere new
– plan a holiday together
– Ask or offer a massage
– Do an indoor camping trip in your front room

Things To Keep In Mind About Increasing Opportunities For Feeling Enjoyment And Pleasure…

Remember that when you start increasing pleasurable activities in your life, that it is unlikely that you will experience a sudden and extreme change in emotion. Rather, by doing small and regular amounts of pleasurable activities intentionally, your mind will begin to learn to identify moment by moment times in which you get get enjoyment. The big picture here is that you increase you mind’s ability to experience pleasure – and whether you are happy with life, or are having difficulties currently, this can only be a positive change to make.

Source

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