The problem
We will readily admit that achievement at study and work plays a central role in our lives. The freedom and flexibility inherent in studying, too, can make it difficult to 'call it a day'. But even when we do – when we close our books, hand in our papers – we may still feel other kinds of pressures lingering... We have to use our free time 'wisely', we have to keep 'working' on ourselves.
If we come to understand our mental and physical wellbeing, our relationships, hobbies, relaxation, even spiritual practice and flourishing as sources of self-improvement - how can we find true rest? How do we make space for another kind of experience?
Rest and resistance
In recent years books have appeared that attempt to answer these questions: Byung-Chul Han, for example (discussed at the NEWConnective reading club), argues for a revaluation of rituals, and urges us to be lazy, go out more often, get drunk, embrace our hangovers, sleep in…
During this gathering we will explore together ways to resist the incentive to self-optimize.
3:45PM – 4:30PM During the first part of the gathering, we will dwell on the incentive itself (e.g. its history) and share experiences.
4:30PM – 5:15PM During the second part of the program, we will do an experiment in which we can explore – perhaps, just for a moment – other ways of being. It will be a kind of meditation with a 'theatrical' twist (but don't worry; there will be no need to act or perform in front of each other). We will reflect on our experiences until 5:15PM. If you have to leave at 5:15PM, you can!
5:15PM – 5:45PM This second experiment involves a jam session on instruments we can't play...
Location: 3D, VU