Authors
Chiara Esposito
Senior Research Team
@Politecnico di Milano
Stefano Magistretti
Research Direction and Scientific Committee
@Politecnico di Milano
The Near Future “CRAFTING MY WELLBEING | Navigating Paradoxes and Shaping the Journey” involves a holistic embrace of our needs, weaving safety, self-realization, and happiness into a cohesive tapestry of life. By navigating paradoxes, the Place Purposeful Nest emerges at the crossroads of three domains of the Wheel of Wellbeing: Physical, Financial, and Spiritual. Physical wellbeing signifies the art of nurturing our bodies through consistent movement, balanced nourishment, and restful sleep. It is not merely a checklist of health activities but a living, breathing commitment to our vitality, dynamically adjusting to our evolving life journey. It emphasizes the need for proactive and intentional efforts, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of individual and collective dynamics. This approach transcends sporadic interventions, fostering a culture where the pursuit of wellbeing becomes a continual, reflective, and collectively beneficial endeavor. Financial wellbeing captures the essence of our relationship with resources, urging us to rethink traditional models in light of rapid technological shifts and environmental awareness. Aligning our investments with both personal fulfillment and societal good becomes paramount, as we seek to balance the pursuit of financial success with a profound sense of purpose and impact. In this evolving landscape, the key to a balanced, fulfilling life lies not just in the recalibration of financial models but in the conscious shaping of a future where every investment, whether temporal or monetary, contributes to a more sustainable and collectively conscious existence. Spiritual Well-being unfolds as an ever-expanding horizon of purpose and meaning, encouraging us to forge profound connections with the world around us. It transcends the boundaries of conventional spirituality, inviting a deeper engagement with diverse cultures, new technologies, and the rich tapestry of human experiences. Integrating these reflections, the Place Purposeful Nest represents the embodiment of the sacred space where we cultivate a web of connections—with ourselves, with “things” that are valuable to us, and with those worthy of our trust (see Figure 3.1).
Figure 3.1 Wellbeing @ PURPOSEFUL NEST: Near Future.
The construction of the near future has started by the identification and formulation of key Themes of reflection. Five Themes constitute the near future “CRAFTING MY WELLBEING | Navigating Paradoxes and Shaping the Journey” (see Figures 3.2).
- Nurturing my wellbeing every day: Wellbeing is frequently confined to isolated, reactive instances rather than being cultivated as a proactive, holistic endeavour. Embracing wellbeing as a dynamic, ongoing project requires purposeful, intentional efforts to shape both short and long-term objectives. It involves nurturing oneself through regular practices and engaging in continual reflection to pinpoint and implement necessary adjustments, thereby establishing a sacred space where connections—with ourselves, with the meaningful aspects of our lives, and with those we trust—are actively fostered and valued. A possible exemplar probe is represented by personalized wellbeing insights from digital assistants guide individuals in tailored routines. The Future Forces related to Rise of Digital Healthcare (FF01), Slow Living (FF02) and The Evolution of Health-Conscious Eating (FF03) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
- Reinforcing and making sense of my sociality: The advent of social media and global interconnectedness introduces complex layers to our social fabric, demanding significant adaptation to thrive within an increasingly broad and diverse environment. This new openness, enabled by digital technologies, often leads us away from deep, meaningful interactions, inclining us towards a form of nihilism characterized by superficial contacts and trivial engagements with cultural artifacts. As a result, the depth of our experiences diminishes, underscoring the need to cultivate a sacred space where we can forge genuine connections, thereby countering the shallowness that pervades much of our digital interactions. A possible exemplar probe is represented by evenings dedicated to nurture wellbeing through community gatherings, meditation circles, and relaxed, casual conversations in public spaces. The Future Forces related to Slow Living (FF02), The Age of Loneliness (FF04) and Metaverse and Social Isolation (FF05) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
- Looking for meaningful frameworks and clear simplicity: The abundance of available options today offers incredible opportunities, yet it also demands significant effort in terms of decision-making. As people increasingly seek frameworks that can simplify the complexities they face and aid in making meaningful decisions, there is a growing need to cultivate a sacred space where we can connect with ourselves and the valuable aspects of our lives. This nurturing environment enables us to navigate the myriad choices with clarity and purpose, ensuring that our decisions align with our deepest values and connections. A possible exemplar probe is represented by an AI-based assistant able to handle “simple” decisions and to “alert” about relevant ones. The Future Forces related to Spiritual Health Disparities (FF06) and Paradox of Choice (FF07) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
- Redefining the meaning of «success»: Success encompasses not merely the alignment of financial choices with personal values but integrates the pursuit of wealth with a holistic sense of wellbeing and purpose. Each decision, whether related to time or money, contributes to a sustainable and collectively conscious existence, underscoring the evolving ethos of purpose in finance. This paradigm shift urges us to infuse our financial endeavours with deeper meaning and societal impact, cultivating a sacred space where our financial actions resonate with our core values and foster meaningful connections with ourselves and the elements of life we treasure. A possible exemplar probe is represented by a Benefit Personal Certification able to measure individual impact on society, environment and economy. The Future Forces related to Beyond Compensation (FF08) and B Corp Certification (FF09) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
- Allocating and exploiting my precious resources: The conventional wisdom that once governed our understanding of time horizons is being challenged, prompting us to re-evaluate how we allocate our most precious resource. As our material pursuits diminish, we are invited to explore the transformative power of simplicity, fostering a more sustainable and purpose-driven existence. This new approach to allocating our time and energy transcends professional obligations and deeply influences how we engage with ourselves and the society around us. In this evolving landscape, we cultivate a sacred space where we can forge meaningful connections with ourselves, the aspects of life we value, and those we trust, thereby nurturing a balanced and enriched life. A possible exemplar probe is represented by a part-time for-profit job aimed at contributing to economy and personal needs, Part-time not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting society. The Future Forces related to Surge in Prosociality (FF10) and Four-day Workweek (FF11) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
Figure 3.2 Wellbeing @ PURPOSEFUL NEST: Future Forces.
Figure 3.2 Wellbeing @ PURPOSEFUL NEST: Future Forces.
Distant Futures
The Distant Futures of the Place Purposeful Nest are depicted below:
PURPOSEFUL NEST | Distant Futures