Here is a foundational exploration into what it truly means to feel alive: Subjective Vitality. 

This research goes beyond mere physical energy or "caloric reserves," defining vitality as a psychological state of enthusiasm and spirit that serves as a primary indicator of personal well-being. 

By bridging ancient wisdom—like the concepts of Chi and Ki—with modern empirical science, authors Ryan and Frederick demonstrate that our vital energy is a "phenomenal nexus" where our physical health and psychological agency meet. 

Whether we are looking to understand the roots of our own daily motivation or seeking a "health of spirit" that persists even through (physical) challenges, this study provides the validated framework and tools to help us measure and cultivate your own inner aliveness.

#PsychologicalAliveness, #SubjectiveVitalityScale, #OrganismicWellBeing, #SomaticHealth, #PerceivedLocusOfCausality, #IntrinsicMotivation

"Ever feel like 'energy' is more than just a physical state? 

A comprehensive scoping review of 93 studies initiated a unified scientific definition or description of vitality:

"Vitality represents a positive subjective concept composed of physiological and psychological energy, which level may vary in accordance with certain influences and can be regulated and harnessed by a person possessing it" (p.12).

At root level, vitality is linked to historical domains like vitalism and Eastern traditions (such as Chi, Prana, or Ki) that view it as a fundamental life force or energy that can be enriched or exhausted. 

It is described as a renewable, subjective resource that we can actively regulate to boost our individual and collective beingness, doingness, and well-being. 

(I would intentionally replace the word “performance” with “beingness or doingness” in any writing about vitality, because this word gives us an easy excuse to put on a mask, ignore or forget quiet inner voices, or value conformity over authenticity.  When everyone is deeply aware of our inner vitality paired with deep alignment, great “performance,” whether individually or collectively, will simply become a by-product.)

#Vitality, #SubjectiveVitality, #WellBeing, #MentalHealth, #SomaticHealth, #SelfDeterminationTheory, #HumanVitality, #HumanResource, #Resilience, #Mindfulness, #ReImagine

During the research on generative vitality, this research has been vastly cited as a theoretical foundation. Self-Determination Theory (SDT), authored by Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci provides a rigorous empirical framework for our focus on "generative vitality" by identifying the three innate psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—essential for optimal human functioning.

The research explores how social-contextual environments can either catalyze or thwart the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy development. 

This literature serves as a vital guide for any practitioner or organization dedicated to optimizing human potential and well-being across diverse life domains.

#SelfDeterminationTheory, #GenerativeVitality, #IntrinsicMotivation, #PsychologicalWell-being, #Autonomy, #Competence, #OptimalHumanFunctioning

Ever wonder if you could just decide to be creative today? 

This research proposes an approach called Proactive Vitality Management (PVM) and reveals how we can move beyond waiting for "aha!" moments by proactively managing our  energy and mindfulness to spark daily (micro) innovation.

#ProactiveVitalityManagement #Mindfulness #CreativePerformance #SelfRegulation #PVM #CreativeVitality 

"Human flourishing requires transhumanist flourishing." That’s the bold claim in David W. Wood’s latest article, and it’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in where humanity is headed.

Wood outlines five "vital initiatives" to help us manage the powerful technologies we're unleashing, and one of the most important is uplifting creative intelligence. He believes that without a "rejuvenation of vision," humanity might succumb to fear and lethargy.

Here are a few highlights:

• The Five Supers: Explore a future of Superlongevity, Superintelligence,Superhappiness,Superdemocracy, and Supernarrative.

• Beyond Dystopia: Learn about "White Mirror" scenarios and how creative thinking can help us avoid "existential danger".

• Active Transhumanism: Discover why "human agency"—our wise thinking and concerted action—maybe the only way to reach a state of "sustainable superabundance."

#FutureOfHumanity #CreativeIntelligence #Transhumanism #CollectiveFlourishing #FutureSelf #CreativeVitality #Sustainability #MAGICommons

What does creative vitality mean to a city?

During the research on creative vitality on an individual level, this article co-developed by Valentina Montalto came into the explorative space.

Montalto, V., Tacao Moura, C.J., Langedijk, S., & Saisana, M. (2019). Culture counts: An empirical approach to measure the cultural and creative vitality of European cities. Cities.

This research developed the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (CCCM), a comprehensive multidimensional dataset covering 168 European cities. This research moves beyond simple economic metrics to capture the true "signal" of a city’s creative vitality.

In this framework, a city’s creative vitality includes three dimensions: 

• Cultural Vibrancy: Measures the "tangible" presence of cultural venues like museums and theaters, as well as the city's ability to attract audiences to them.

• Creative Economy: Assesses how culture generates jobs, innovation, and intellectual property.

• Enabling Environment: Examines the underlying conditions that allow creativity to flourish, including human capital (universities), openness (tolerance and trust), and local/international connectivity.

#CreativeVitality, #CulturalCapital, #UrbanPlanning, #CreativeEconomy, #SmartCities,  #CulturalAndCreativeCitiesMonitor, #UrbanDevelopment, #CreativeEconomy, #CulturalVibrancy, #UrbanPolicy, #InnovationSpillovers.

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