The Good Life - A Third Path
Story cover art - Science News - September 11, 2021 - see article for full credits
If you lack money and stability, can you still have a good life?
[Perhaps the] ingredients of a rich life come not from stability in life circumstances or in temperament. Rather, the path to a rich life arises from novelty seeking, curiosity and moments that shift one’s view of the world.
Do you yearn for a happy, meaningful, or possibly rich life? In “Perspective-changing experiences, good or bad, can lead to richer lives,” Science News psychology writer Sujata Gupta asks: what is well-being, and why do some people choose an electric shock over sitting quietly in a room?
Psychologists have, until recently, assumed that well-being typically follows two pathways: happiness or meaning. Psychologist Shigehiro Oishi describes the happy life as “one of joy, comfort and security,” and the meaningful life as “one of significance, purpose and coherence, or order.” These two paths are not mutually exclusive, but they are both dependent on basic stability. The complete disruption and boredom of the pandemic has turned attention to a possible third path, a life of riches that arise from “novelty seeking, curiosity and moments that shift one’s view of the world.”
The article traces the historical roots of ‘the good life” definitions, then goes into recent research that explores how the desire for rich experiences is coming into focus as an alternative path to ‘the good life.’ There are surveys. There is data. There are quizzes. There’s a case study following experience junkie, psychologist Oliver Sacks.
Ultimately, the writer cites Oshin Vartanian, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Toronto, who says the pursuit of art seems uniquely suited to those seeking, or forced into, an experientially rich life. “People who score high in openness to experience tend to lead more creative lives.” “[I]f one is creative, productive and moving forward, one is moving toward happiness,” adds documentarian Ric Burns.
Read the article.
Moshe Feldenkrais was all over the ‘rich psychological life” premise. His Awareness Through Movement® lessons guide us into the internal world of novel experience, sensation, and an experientially rich INTERNAL life. The practice may not be for everyone, as a ‘psychologically rich” life may not equal well-being for many. But for those of us on this path, Dr. Feldenkrais is a guide and trusted friend. Once again, ahead of his time.