Another positive emotion is pleasure which could be defined as being happily satisfied or having happy enjoyment. The things that give me the most pleasure are the unexpected events – flowers from my husband for no particular reason,
© irene waters 2014
a beautiful sunset,
© irene waters 2014
a beautiful view,
© irene waters 2014
even a nice meal will give me pleasure. Dancing gives me immense pleasure as does going to the theatre, listening to music I enjoy and meandering around art galleries (most of the time).
Pleasure is probably the opposite emotion to pain. Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, defined it as the absence of suffering. Unless you are a masochist you’d have to agree with his definition.
Pleasure can be artificially created with electrical stimulation to the brain and of course drugs both illicit and prescribed can give a sense of pleasure. The one that I have never been able to achieve is pleasure by extreme exercise. With activities such as running endorphins are released making the runner addicted to the activity and giving them extreme pleasure. I wonder about this though as there are many dedicated athletes running along the river and I have to say I don’t see too many of them smiling. Most look as though they are in agony.
I hope you all have a Happy pleasurable Easter.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Share your opinion re running, Irene – also re runners. Aint NEVAH seen one who looks like s/he’s having a good time …
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Yes M-R They look like they are being tortured.
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Reblogged this on Writing Out Loud and commented:
Irene, many years ago I ran, now I walk. Over time and on certain times, both offer highlighted pleasure. Regardless, I think our thoughts to extend to moving corners of our mouth. Great post!
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Beautiful pictures as always! My pleasures are sailing and swimming – freedom!
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I’ve only been sailing a couple of times but I think I’d would have really loved it if I had got into it when I was younger. Swimming is also a love of mine.
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