Hedonism strengthens organism - Pleasure Academy soon in Belgrade

I don't have time to enjoy myself! I don't have money for that! My job is killing me, how can I possibly think about anything else? These are only some of the statements you will never hear from hedonists - people who fight stress and gloomy everyday life with the pursuit of pleasure.

And it does not matter whether you prefer wine, cigarettes, tea or dance, or if you like to travel or paint. The only thing that is important is that you do that out of love and that your senses are sharp and brain relaxed at that moment.

With the aim of connecting people who share the same interests, the Association of Authentic Hedonists (AAH) was established in Belgrade eight years ago. Their mission is to encourage people to fill their life with as much pleasure as possible.

AAH has recently celebrated its eighth birthday under the slogan "Hedonism Strengthens Organism." The founder, president of the Association and the "chief hedonist manager," Dragan Djordjevic, said on that occasion that there were many people who didn't know how to enjoy themselves, regardless of whether they had money or not.

- We are here for both those who know and those who don't know - Djordjevic stressed.

State of mind, not state of pocket

(Dragan Djordjevic)

Hedonism is defined as a school of thought, the pursuit of pleasure that is both purpose and goal of all actions. However, owing to the economic situation in Serbia, a common opinion is that hedonism is a utopia. When we asked the "chief hedonist" if there was hedonism in the time of crisis, when people can hardly satisfy their primary existential needs, he replied:

- There are many people who have money, but don't know how to enjoy themselves. Pleasure has nothing to do with money. It is clear that not everybody can enjoy flying their own plane, but walking with a friend is a pleasure, talking with pals over a glass of beer is also a pleasure. Hedonism is all about seizing the moment and enjoying it. The easiest thing to do is whine, do nothing and say "It's hard."

As he explained, that famous quote - When life gives you lemons, just make lemonade - applies here.

Djordjevic added that the mission of the Association of Authentic Hedonists was to help people socialize. Their members are people of all profiles: from students and businessmen to children and their grandmas.

Although the Association of Hedonists organizes several master courses during the year, each focusing on a different aspect of hedonism, it seems that Serbs enjoy wine, food and chocolate the most.

This year Belgrade will also obtain the first Academy of Hedonistic Skills, where professionals will be educating students on how to achieve the greatest pleasure.

20 pleasures everybody can afford

In order to show that one does not have to be rich to enjoy life, the Association of Authentic Hedonists has come up with a list of 20 pleasures available to all people.

1. Walking in the nature with a beloved one

2. Going to the cinema

3. Tasting wine with friends

4. Having a massage with essential oils

5. Reading a good book

6. Watching the sunset

7. Listening to the sound of sea waves

8. Having a favorite "snack" in a good company

9. Lying on a nice green grass

10. Riding bicycle in the wild nature with adventure-loving friends

11. Spending a night at the favorite coffee shop full of handsome women/men

12. Watching the reflection of the full moon on the peaceful surface of a lake

13. Swinging in a hammock suspended between two trees, with a chilled bottle of the favorite drink

14. Belgian beer, Czech beer, English beer, domestic beer, beer and beer

15. Watching the favorite TV show directly from the love nest, with a big bowl of popcorn

16. Enjoying the view of winter through the window

17. Relaxing in the favorite armchair to the pleasant music

18. Enjoying the smell of coffee and the first sip in the morning

19. Having lunch with the family and friends and then taking an afternoon nap

20. Staying in bed with a loved one longer in the morning and having a light breakfast in bed.

Jelena Djelic