THE EUDAEMONIUM

LIVING BOOK / ALTRINCHAM / POTT SQUARE RECIPES

WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR WELL-BEING?

THE STORY

WHAT IS THE EUDAEMONIUM?

A living sculptural book that grows as people contribute to it.

The Eudaemonium stands in the square as a symbol of a community’s hidden treasure and acts as a physical marker within the landscape to encourage people to collect and share routes to well-being with one-another.

There is a hidden locked bookcase built within the spine of the sculpture, which houses the compendium of recipes and remedies or routes to well-being. 

WHY IS IT CALLED THE EUDAEMONIUM?

The title is an invented word derived from the Ancient Greek concept of eudaimonia or happiness gained through ‘human flourishing’ (aka wellness of mind and body).

WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR WELL-BEING?

How do we collect recipes, remedies and recommendations for health and well-being from the people of Altrincham?

We need you to play a part and share your recipe for well-being.. It could be something handed down for generations, something specifically for mothers and babies, something tried and tested by yourself.

These will be collated by the library and form Altrincham’s compendium.

ADD YOUR RECIPE

Our example 1:

A recipe for to beat Birthday Blues - to be served at breakfast time with a glass of Bucks Fizz. Birthday Lemon & Sugar Pancakes - Passed down for two generations (curtesy of Delia Smith.)

• 110g Plain Flour

• Pinch of Salt

• 2 Large Eggs

• 200ml semi-skimmed milk mixed with 75ml water

• 50g butter

Served with Caster Sugar & fresh squeezed lemons.

To be eaten outside if possible.

For extra happiness - double recipe.

Our example 2:

My three steps for a good day:

• Morning: 10 minutes of meditation (or, at least, trying to stay focused on breath). Made even cosier by sitting with my back against a warm radiator.

• Daytime: Moving every day. Between my desk and the office kitchen doesn’t count - sustained activity is what makes me feel good. A lunchtime walk often works, or a post-work yoga class.  

• Evening: Creative time. This doesn't have to be long. I love playing the piano, and even 15 minutes of going through favourite songs helps me wind down. Or going to bed early to leave time to be transported by a book.