Ataraxia Outdoors: Philosophy of Hedonism in Practice Part 1 - Perception

ABOUT
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This event is an outdoor social event combining peer and experiential learning on how to enjoy more pleasure.

It is inspired by the Ancient hedonistic philosophy of Epicurus who taught that pleasure was the highest good, and the pursuit of happiness should be our most immediate priority. He created a system of cognitive techniques to practice building the skills of attaining two forms of pleasure he called joy and delight.

Adopting and employing these techniques over time will build our hedonic capacity which leads to greater life satisfaction, self-control and ethical development.

There will be group discussions where you can share your thoughts and experiences about pleasure, you will be given a short introduction to Epicurean ethical theory of hedonism, and then you will be guided through practicing the techniques before we reflect further on what we experienced.

This event is part 1 in a series. Our interest during this event will be techniques of perception. There are many more others such as attention, recollection, imagination and appreciation. We will focus on these in future dates.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
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Often we believe that we should feel guilty for pursuing pleasure, as it is a distraction from more meaningful and productive activities. With the emergence of positive and behavioural psychology however, there is now increasing research about the benefits of pleasure.

“...hedonic goal pursuit and the experience of positive affect, pleasure, or enjoyment have been acknowledged as predictors of wellbeing and part of adaptive self-regulation...”*
“Low hedonic capacity is related to a higher motivation to drink alcohol out of coping motives.”**
“In addition to its mood-boosting effects, pleasure can also stimulate our brains, improving our cognitive function and creativity. Engaging in activities that we enjoy can help us to feel more motivated, focused, and productive, and can enhance our ability to think creatively and problem-solve.”***

This is also an outdoor event in a beautiful park which is both a green and blue space. "Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being."****

HOW TO FIND US
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Meet us at the amphitheatre at Banks Reserve. Parking is on Joel Terrace, East Perth or walk from East Perth train station. It is next to the playground, skate park and basketball stand.

You can use this GPS location: https://goo.gl/maps/RsBXjEieZo... TO BRING
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Bring a water bottle filled with water to drink as this is going to be part of the exercises we will do.

If an amphitheatre isn't comfortable for you, you may choose to bring a cushion, bean bag, camping chair or whatever is your preference to sit on.

Although this is a facilitated event and efforts will be made you make you feel comfortable and included, if you are a little shy or it would help you feel more confident meeting new people, you may like to consider bringing a friend or family member with you as long as they have an open mind.

Please note this event is pay as you feel. I will ask for contributions in cash to cover the time in research and preparation. I am recommending 12 dollars. There will be no pressure if or how much you want to contribute.

Thank you.

Quote sources:
* The Role of Hedonic Goal Pursuit in Self Control and Self Regulation: Is Pleasure the Problem or Part of the Solution?, Daniela Becker, 2023
** Happy Hour: The Association Between Trait Hedonic Capacity and Motivation to Drink Alcohol, Daniela Becker and Katharina Bernecker, 2024
*** The Importance of Pleasure, Gabby Taubenfeld, 2024
**** https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature, Kirsten Weir, 2020