The Aretéan community engages in a cycle of alternating periods of ascetation, celebration, and moderation. We call this cycle the Hedonic Rhythm. This has various benefits for personal and communal wellbeing.
Ascetation
For the two weeks before each of our holidays we have a period called ascetation (ask-eh-tay-shun) for which Aretéans try to live more ascetically. We might alter our diets, reduce our media consumption, dress more formally, and generally go without many of the luxuries we typically enjoy. During this period, we experience increased mental clarity, improved self-discipline, and a greater sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life. By ascetating, we also build up anticipation for the upcoming holiday.
Celebration
On our holidays, Aretéans explode into celebration! We indulge our senses in lively holiday festivities: delicious food and drink, song, dance, and other activities. Celebration doesn’t end when the party is over; we continue our period of celebration for the entire week. During this period we allow ourselves the freedom to enjoy many of the things that we had denied ourselves in the ascetation period. We release our pent up desires, relax our constraints, and allow ourselves to enjoy the delicious experiences that life has to offer; creating positive memories that will stay with us.
Moderation
Eventually, the celebration comes to an end, and Aretéans enter a period of moderation which lasts three or four weeks. During moderation, we restore balance to our lives by engaging in routine and regularity. When the moderation period comes to an end, we repeat the cycle, beginning again with Ascetation.
We engage in this hedonic rhythm collectively as a community, building social cohesion through our shared experience. The effect that this cycle has on individuals may vary, so it makes sense that each person should practice these phases in a way that fits with their individual needs and circumstances. Together, by living our lives in this way, we develop self-discipline, have positive experiences, and live well-rounded and balanced lives.