The Psychology of Feeling Good

There are two distinct essentials which we fulfill, as we live, survive and thrive as the human-animal. One set of essentials covers physical requirements of food and clothing. The other covers emotional and sensory calls

To break them down further, clothing used to shelter the body from the elements, expands to include an outer layer of protection - which is our house and home

Emotional needs are the more complex of the two requirements. We are programmed accept or reject those, and they are optional unlike food and shelter, without which we could not exist at all. The optional aspect of emotional comforts also creates needs and wants as separate from each other. The brain and mind control our wants and needs and draws a fine line between them which we may or may not discern consciously

Sensual aspects are the most common triggers for both the physical and emotional well-being. If something is hot to the touch, we pull back our hand instinctively as part of physical safety. If something is smooth and soft and soothing to the touch, we linger in that sensation deliberately to enjoy it, and feel good while doing it. The reaction to the heat was what we needed to do, and the lingering was what we wanted to do

Negative and positive responses. Once our brain recognizes the delight in feeling good about a particular sensation, it triggers a chemical reaction every time we have an opportunity to enjoy that sensation again. When we see a stuffed teddy bear, our brain can remind us of those impressions from childhood that made us feel secure by cuddling, or was just fun thanks to the softness. We are invited [subconsciously] to re-enjoy that feeling. Such re-enjoyment adds to our well-being by releasing "positive chemicals" in our brain and also into the body. Unlike substance-abuse, there is nothing harmful entering the body, and the delight comes merely from stimulation via external simulation to our senses

What are sensual pleasures? Most positive feelings via our senses are extremely subtle. We start recognizing what makes us feel good, by the absence of those feelings. In other words, we establish a pleasure via our senses, only when our brain notices the source of that pleasure is absent. Using a shiny, delicate glass tumbler before pouring water into it and then holding its smooth surface - can be a subtle delight. However, we recognize that delight more obviously, when we are forced to drink out of a heavy thick glass, which is not as clear, and does not feel smooth to the touch. At a very subliminal level, our brain yearns for that "other" sensation of a better glass. Once that is established we start setting our standards, our expectations and desires

Senses light up our home. When it comes to our house and home, our mind realizes that any place outside that shelter is less safe, less cozy, and lacks our comfort zones. The sense of belonging which we feel inside our personal space is a subtle emotional comfort. That drives us to personalize our home. Naturally, our furniture, our decor, our housewares and so on, are all specifically handpicked by us to make that space our own. Once that is accomplished, every single thing that we bring into our house and which gives us sensory pleasure, only goes to enhance the overall delight that our home gives us

Why architects design housewares: The world's most skilled architects design homes, but also insist on designing the interiors including every piece of furniture. Frank Lloyd Wright is a glowing example. Many have gone on to design coffee pots, non-stick bakeware, wine glasses and vases, salt and pepper dispensers and much, much more. Architects understand form and function, proportions, how the materials feel to the touch, how the objects are balanced and several other aspects which make them a joy to use. Above all they understand the processes and technologies that go into making an object

Designer products: Not only architects, but also product designers possess similar expertise. It is a good idea to heed their creations especially if designers are backed up by experienced manufacturers with knowledge of traditional skills. The products possess inherent qualities which induce subtle sensory pleasure every time you use those products. An expertly made designer product is also going to last you long time, while you enjoy it, and it will give you great value for money which you worked hard for. Your home is going to be with you for a long time, and home goods that last for years, give you also one thing that cheap, mass-produced goods can never offer - satisfaction

Satisfaction is precious and anything precious is not cheap. Maybe The Rolling Stones were on to something all those years ago