A hedonist is one who is devoted to a life of things pleasurable. They seek experiences that are pleasurable and they try to live a life in pursuit and maintenance of such joy.

A responsible hedonist recognizes that this does not happen in a vacuum and that their actions are directly responsible for theirs and others continued access and ability to pursue a hedonistic experience. Hence, a more thoughtful, considerate and compassionate approach rather than a headlong storm of destructive behavior to themselves and others.

I think many people see hedonism as a sensually joyful distraction from the "daily grind" of normal living, however, I believe hedonism can be a far deeper experience. I think "true" hedonism, as a meditation and a spiritual path, can be extremely powerful and healing, something akin to the Buddhist vision of nirvana. For example, this article was written by a lady who was able to heal a terribly disfiguring condition by resolving to do things that brought her pleasure and joy rather than living in fear and stress, communityconnexion.com/joy-fu...raph-3. The lady in the article, Georgie, gives us a good demonstration of hedonism as a powerful spiritual meditation and life path. This fellow describes common effects on the body when we decide that we must live our lives in fear and stress, www.communityconnexion.com/arti...html. It's a pretty scary scenario, and yet, it seems to me that the majority of people around the world choose a life of fear over a life of abundance.

So, I guess, I see a hedonist as spiritual student, and a hedonist lives in an abundant universe. After all, isn't abundance just being in a position of being able to do and be more things that bring us pleasure?

A hedonist, I think, must also be compassionate. Suffering that exists in those around us must surely diminish our own pleasure, and sharing pleasure with another will surely increase our own pleasure.

A hedonist must be creative. One becomes insensitive to any sensation if one experiences that sensation long enough, so a hedonist is always looking for new experiences of joy and pleasure. Also, we must all do things that we might not enjoy at first, in order to live, the dedicated hedonist will also seek to create ways to experience pleasure in all things.

A hedonist is a master in the art of appreciation. www.communityconnexion.com/arti....html One cannot fully experience the joy and pleasure of a thing unless one understands the significance of that thing, unless one appreciates that thing. For example, I don't believe one can fully experience pleasure from the sounds of another if one does not know whether those sounds are expressing joy or pain. Likewise, if we watch a funny movie with someone, our pleasure is increased if we hear that other person laughing too.

So, don't be ashamed. I think that shame is an indication that we are not being in integrity. I think that if we are being "true" hedonists, then our interaction will arise from love, compassion and the wish to spread joy and pleasure. What's shameful about that?

Hedonism, itself, is a thing to be enjoyed!