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. 2022 Nov 5;19(21):14544.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114544.

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

Tim Lomas  1 , Tyler J VanderWeele  1
Affiliations

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

Tim Lomas et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: conceptualization; flourishing; health; metaphor; well-being.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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