Eudaemonia is a Greek noun for the highest human good, derived from the words eû (good, well) and daímōn (spirit or deity). We use this word today to describe a life well lived, according to ones values, which fills us with a sense of contentment and satisfaction, despite life’s tragedies.
Coming to the end of the year is always a potent time for reflection, to check in and take stock of where we are at and where we are going.
What makes your spirit feel well?
It is not a hedonistic approach but one that asks us to live a well examined life. And to be practical about it. It is all good and well to have goals, aspirations and dreams, but not if we are not steering the wheel toward them.
What would it take for you to experience eudaemonia?
Because it can’t be an end result, it’s got to be in the messy day to day of life. Adjusting our navigation towards our highest good is a process, there is no end. The more we adjust and fine tune our focus towards the human being we aspire to be, the more our messy day to day life stuff becomes an experience of eudaemonia.
It is a ‘yes, and’ situation.
Yes, dream big! And, be satisfied with whatever humble place you find yourself in. Yes, make a plan! And, be invested in the experience of each step, even if it doesn’t end up taking you to your goal.
Are you good with you?
For me it’s all about making peace with yourself and that takes a daily practise of self-acceptance. I am good with me and so, I can return to this place of wellness inside my soul no matter what is going on outside of me.
The experience of eudaemonia is not the same as euphoria.
It’s the feeling of sitting down with a cup of tea, knowing that whatever needs to be done will get done, whatever pain I’m feeling will pass, whatever causes me anxiety can be remedied somehow, and that I am the navigator of my journey.
What journey are you navigating?