Today’s mindfulness was on the distinction between meeting needs and finding joy in life. The subtext was “exploring the difference between ameliorative and existential value”. Let me explain:
There are many things in life that bring about satisfaction by improving the quality of life. Much of these involve solving problems that enable us to live life better (work, kids, family). Solving or improving on these problems can be ameliorative.
Ameliorative means to make better or more satisfactory over time, a concept that fits well with yesterday’s message of 1% better every day. However, there can be a problem with pursuing life goals that are only ameliorative.
This problem is referred to as the paradox of egoism, the concept that the pursuit of maximizing the quality of life may not lead to maximizing happiness. Merely meeting the needs of, or being satisfied with life does not necessarily make it a happy life to live.
What brings you purpose in life? This is a question of existentialism. Actions that bring about existential value are different than those that bring about ameliorative value. In my experience, ameliorative actions lead to better balance in the traditional aspects of life, while existential actions lead to depth of life and act as an anchor to stabilize life during tough times. So what are existential actions?
These are actions that are done for the sake of doing them. The act in and of itself leads to a happiness as a result of taking part in that action, such as creation, art, or exploration. I often refer to this concept as finding flow, or entering flow states.
Flow is a state where time loses meaning as I get lost in the activity. The activity is at the edge of my ability, challenging me to be better than I was before through the exploration of new techniques.
Flow is a state that allows for emotional grounding, a period of time where I am solving problems not for ameliorative purposes and not for self-interested purposes. Instead, this time is spent just being. Creating for its own sake.
By removing the pressure of problem solving and instead going with the flow, these actions can become foundational for providing purpose in life. They provide a break from everyday problem solving, allowing me to search deeper into myself for my own purpose of being.
One of the best ways I enter flow states is by creating art, specifically animated photography. I have been taking timelapses for years, slowly improving the quality and my ability to tell a story with my art. I now animate my art to be timed as a breathing guide.
Nowhere have I seen the truth of the concept “1% better every day” than through my art. Every time I go out to shoot or sit down to edit, I learn something new about my camera, software, the world, or myself.
This knowledge and experience helps ground my own existentialism, improving my general engagement with life and overall happiness.
However, the ameliorative nature of existence does not lend itself to providing opportunities for finding flow. The reason I say “finding flow” is because there is an element of pursuit of your passion.
Finding your passions can be difficult, and there is no right answer. The key aspect here is to search for them. Once found, apply the concept of 1% better every day to habitually enter flow and improve the depth of your existence
Remember, 1% better every day for a year leads to being 37 times better than last year. Practicing finding flow every day can be one of the greatest skills you ever develop, I know it has been for me.
When was the last time you searched for joy instead of merely meeting needs? What do you wish you were 37 times better at by this time next year?
If you found this helpful or interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts! The more we learn how this practice helps each of us, the more we can collectively improve. Please feel free to leave questions or comments below.
Continue reading about philosophy for troubled times with: Missing Out.
Find the full list of mindful thoughts here.
