26/03/2025
The Hedonist Archetype
The hedonist gets a bad rap. I get that when we’re in the shadow seeking pleasure and overindulging at the expense of others, the environment or our own health and wellbeing.
In the light though, there is hardly another archetype I know of that through the senses, experiences, embraces and celebrates the beauty and pleasure life has to offer. Something that is only possible because we are in a human body.
Imagine a world without the intense colour of sunsets, the smell of a fragrant rose, the sound of laughter and birdsong, the taste of a freshly picked sun kissed strawberry, the caress of a mother, the sensual touch and ecstasy possible with a lover.
In the hecticness of daily life, we take these senses for granted. When we slow down we can notice, sense, feel and embody all the beauty around us. With intention or sometimes even by surprise, we can be moved to experience spiritual transcendence, divine union or a feeling of oneness with all when. Moments of ecstasy or bliss. And without taking substances.
The fear of losing control or surrendering to being seduced are deeper shadows begging to be explored. What would happen if you really did allow yourself to relinquish control or be seduced in a safe pace and surrender to what unfolded?
How are you aligned with your inner hedonist? Do they get to come out and play? How do you allow yourself to experience the beauty of the world? Or do you have a tendency to restrain yourself in some aspects and overindulge with negative effects in others like shopping, with food, substances, luxury, s*x or scrolling? How can you find balance between the light and the shadow?
Image credit: Carolyn Myss
