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The Garden and the Orchestra: Generative Metaphors for Conceptualizing the Complexities of Well-Being.

Tim LomasTyler J VanderWeele
Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health (2022)
Our understanding of well-being, and related concepts such as health and flourishing, is shaped by the metaphors through which we think about such ideas. Current dominant metaphors-including a pyramid, ladder, and continuum-all have various issues. As such, this paper offers two other metaphors which can better do justice to the nuanced complexities of these notions, namely, a garden and an orchestra. Through these metaphors, this paper articulates a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing and appreciating the nature of well-being (and associated concepts), which it is hoped will generate further insights and research into these valued and sought-after phenomena.
Keyphrases
  • mental health
  • mental illness