Mindfulness: hop off the hedonic treadmill
The hedonic treadmill is a psychological theory that suggests people return to an emotional baseline despite major changes in positive or negative stimuli. For example, as a person makes more money or experiences success, their expectations and desires rise at the same time, which results in no permanent gain in happiness.
Hedonic Adaptation
Hedonic adaptation is the concept that humans quickly adapt to their new circumstances. Periods of extreme happiness and grief are short-lived, and we return to a normal, steady state- our emotional baseline. We think that a new job title, a new salary, a new duvet, a new outfit, a new car, a new home, etc will make us happy. If we finally get x, y, and z sorted out- we will be happy.
In reality, when we reach various goals, we are happy for a short period of time, but we quickly return to our emotional baseline.
There is a great SNL skit with Adam Sandler where he plays a character who leads tours in Italy. Sandler’s character says, “if you’re sad now, you might still feel sad there, okay. You understand? That makes sense? Our tours will take you to the most beautiful places on earth. Hike the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Fish with the nets in Sorrento. But remember, you are still going to be you on vacation. If you are sad where you are, then you get on a plane to Italy, you will be the same sad you, just in a new place. Does that make sense? There’s a lot a vacation can do, help you unwind, see some different looking squirrels, but it cannot fix deeper issues, like how you behave in group settings or your general baseline mood. That’s a job for incremental changes sustained over time. We can take you on a hike. We cannot turn you into someone that likes hiking.” [he goes on!]
Since January, Drew and I have been avoiding spending on anything non-essential. We are saving up for a new vehicle. This mindfulness around spending has brought an awareness to the hedonic treadmill. I noticed how the internet is constantly trying to sell me things. The internet is very good at knowing what I might want. My brain is very good at observing items around my home that could be updated.
In my previous blog, I wrote about how chapter 1, verse 2 of the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali defines yoga as ‘Complete mastery over the roaming tendencies of the mind’ (Tigunait, p 5)”.
Shifting from the Macro to the Micro
One way I’ve been redirecting my mind when I notice this tendency to want things just out of reach, is to shift from the macro view to the micro view. I’ve been redirecting my thoughts to what is right in front of me, or right within me.
I return to the breath. I notice the sensation of my heart beat. I notice the way the pussy willow blossoms have grown from white buds to resemble puffy green caterpillars. I observe the crocus blooms and the marsh marigolds just taking hold in the creek bottom.
My 4-year-old son and I call this “practicing sensing.” We practice noticing our heartbeat, even when our eyes are closed. We notice the rise and fall of our chest, even when our eyes are closed. I’m trying to help him create a dialogue with his inner world.
My grandparents, in their 90s, don’t seem to struggle with the problems of the hedonic treadmill. They grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression. They don’t spend time on screens. The last time I was there I had a giggle looking at the soap dish in the bathroom. Just like most things in their home, it’s the same soap dish they had when I was a kid. And guess what, it’s still doing a great job holding the soap.
Stepping off the hedonic treadmill
So this week, notice when your mind starts wandering to items you “need” to buy. Notice the external pressures encouraging you to buy this or that. Chances are, it’s just an illusion.
You probably already have everything you need, and more.
We all have people in our lives worth more than all our tangible assets combined. When you are with these people, practice mindfulness and intentionality about how special your time together is. Greet them as if you hadn’t seen them in a decade. Put your phone in a location out of reach. Cherish the tenderness and delights of your interactions.
These practices will help you step off the hedonic treadmill and stop looking out into the macro and focusing in on the wonder of the micro- the wonderful things right in front of you.
“The outer world says: hurry, faster;
The inner world says: slowly, slowly.
The outer world says: get more, more;
The inner world says: let go, need less.
The outer world says: you aren’t perfect; you need this and a little of this, and a lot of that;
The inner world says: you already have everything you need inside.
The outer world says: people should notice you;
The inner world says: notice others.
The outer world says: your life should be perfect;
The inner world says: be perfect in your life.”
Warmly, Amanda
Adele, Deb. The Kleshas: Exploring the Elusiveness of Happiness. 2023
Tigunait, Pandit Rajmani. The Secret of the Yoga Sutra: Samadhi Pada. 2014
