🎈 The Dynamite Versus The Candle
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To me, fun is intense. It’s sweaty, exhilarating, and full of positive eye contact with other humans. I’m usually the one sparking it. I call it “getting high through human connection” because it floods my brain with dopamine—and then completely drains it. That’s by design. It’s how I choose to live my life 🧨.
Before I dive into why, let’s talk about dopamine. It’s one of four key happiness neurotransmitters, often misunderstood thanks to smartphone addiction. Dopamine drives our brain’s reward system, pushing us to chase pleasure—whether from sex, drugs, social media, or meaningful connection. That rush of enjoyment when we get what we crave? That’s dopamine at work. It’s not inherently bad; the problem lies in addictive behaviors it can fuel. The issue isn’t dopamine—it’s what we do with it.
In moderation, dopamine is a gift. It boosts memory, sharpens focus, and amplifies extroversion when tied to healthy habits. So, how do you harness it? That’s where my philosophy comes in.
Two Ways to Live: The Dynamite or the Candle
Picture this: your life has two possible rhythms.
The Dynamite: Explosive peaks of dopamine—intense, thrilling moments—followed by silence, peace, and deep rest.
The Candle: A slow, steady drip of dopamine—no highs, no lows, just a flat, stable hum.
Which do you choose? Dynamite or candle? Drop your answer below. In this article, I’ll explain why I pick dynamite—and why you might want to try it too.
A Festival Story
As “The Party Scientist,” I get hired by festivals to lead workshops and experiences. My latest gig was at a notorious hedonism-fueled event. I ran two sessions on healthy partying and tapping into your natural high. Every time I’m at a festival like this, I notice something: my approach stands out.