New name for a new, new age

A new demographic term, that brings together all manner of spiritually-aware, holistically-minded and environmentally-friendly people has been born in the UK. ‘Hedolists’ are the new, new-agers it seems, bringing together an interest in holistic, natural living with an all-out zest for life.

"We didn’t have a word or phrase to describe our movement," explains Andy Metcalfe, founder of Holistic Local – the world’s fastest growing natural living directory and social networking site. "Millions of people are spiritual but not religious, environmentally aware but not eco-warriors and interested in wellbeing without being health-freaks."

"Despite sharing values of peace, compassion, love and goodwill, they are a silent, but hugely powerful majority, who are changing the world, but don't even have a name," adds Metcalfe.

There were hippies in the sixties and seventies and new-agers in the eighties and nineties. Yet, in the holistic ‘noughties’, this emerging group - interested in wellbeing, personal growth, spirituality and the environment – have until now lacked an identity.

"This is nothing less than the most exciting and dynamic group of people ever to emerge," says Carl Munson, a self-confessed hedolist before the term was even invented and Holistic Local's UK 'Ambassador'. "United in attitudes and connected by shared values, it's surprising that these people, people like us, don't even have a name or collective noun."

"This is not a trend or fashion, this is nothing less than a crossroads in human history and these folks are the foot soldiers of a new era in human consciousness. The survival of mankind depends on their sensitivities in these turbulent times. They are the modern 'missing link'."

To be fair, sociologists and trend-spotters have tried to pigeon-hole them. The 'cultural creatives', 'perennials' and even 'loli-boomers' were some of their offerings. But no big surprise as to lack of interest and take-up with these somewhat impact-less monickers.

"Hedolists want to feel good, look good and be good. It's all about spiritual fulfilment, respecting our bodies and responsible, ethical living," observes Andy. As to where the term originates, he says: "It's about the pleasure of hedonism, without the dangers of excess and the awareness of the holistic mindset – without the sandals and beards!"

"Given what we feel about each other and the planet, given what we know about the reality of life beyond religion, politics and so-called education, it's not the meek who will inherit the earth. It'll be us hedolists – no longer misfits, but the modern missing links to a new, new age," declares Munson with a grin.

They are here and they are here to stay. Check out their website at: www.hedolistic.com

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Editors’ notes:

You can download a free e-book “Hedolism – Because life wasn’t meant to be a struggle” at:
www.hedolistic.com. As well as an introduction to hedolistic living, the book contains:

· The ‘Are you Hedolist’ questionnaire
· The Hedolist Manifesto, and
· The 5 myths of Hedolism