---
content_date: 2021-09-03
feed: "DANIEL_ON_SLOPE"
codex_section: "S09"
codex_candidate: false
source: Scotomaville
source_file: 02.11-satisfaction.pdf
chapter: 02.11-satisfaction
total_pdf_pages: 14
volume: v2
title: "Satisfaction: Escaping the Hedonic Treadmill"
monomyth_stage: "06 - Tests, Allies, Enemies"
category:
  - awareness
  - strategy
  - expedition
tags:
  - hedonic-treadmill
  - satisfaction
  - contentment
  - self-care
  - confidence
  - celebration
  - failure-with-grace
  - personal-everest
  - airstream-repairs
  - perseverance
  - gratitude
summary: During our Airstream expedition I keep bumping into the same truth that no matter how much success or gear I chase, the Hedonic Treadmill just demands more. Through wind-blown filming, a frozen petcock, a smashed foiling board, and worn tires I discovered that confidence, celebration, and self-care actually deliver the ease of satisfaction even when everything feels imperfect. The real progress comes from failing with grace, letting problems simmer, and refusing to quit.
qr_links:
  - https://youtu.be/plRY-BEg9UI
---

# 02.11-satisfaction

## Spread 001  [p1–p2]
**type:** image_heavy  |  **img coverage:** L=0% R=47%
**heading:** sa • tis •

### Visual description
The left page features a large dark gray panel with the word “sa•tis•fac•tion” in oversized white sans-serif letters, accompanied by the pull-quote “WHAT FOLLOWS ACHIEVEMENT FOR MOST PEOPLE? MORE? MOST LIKELY NOT.” Vertical white text runs along the right edge of this panel, defining the Hedonic Treadmill. Below the gray section, additional body text includes the chapter’s opening anecdote about wind during filming and the phrase “Just five bars of music and you know the word ‘sa•tis•fac•tion’,” with the chapter number “2.11” in a black box at the bottom.

The right page opens with a light gray italic quote at the top: “Satisfaction means you’ve had enough — in a good way. It’s akin to being at ease in one’s situation, body and mind - in the midst of imperfection.” The dominant visual is a full-color documentary photograph occupying the lower two-thirds, showing a man (Daniel) seated on a large, jagged rock formation in a vast, arid landscape. He wears a dark polo shirt, shorts, and a wide-brimmed hat, his body turned slightly away from the camera as he gazes across a dry, pale lakebed toward distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The foreground is rocky and barren, with scattered stones and sparse vegetation.

The photograph is a real location shot from the journey rather than an illustration or diagram, creating a documentary feel that contrasts with the chapter’s discussion of endless pursuit. The solitary figure in the expansive, empty terrain subtly mirrors the theme of stepping back from the Hedonic Treadmill.

### Left page
sa • tis • 
fac • tion
Hedonic Treadmill: “I cant get...” 
more success, and wealth and fame.
Do you think it’s windy? Just when I need to do an opening
scene for this episode!
Just five bars of music and you know the word [music]
‘sa • tis • fac • tion’
Sometimes you try your hardest, 
and everything fights you for it - like making progress up your
Personal Everest.
Welcome to this episode of 
SCOTOMAVILLE on satisfaction 
- being content and not being 
stuck on that Hedonic Treadmill. 
Hedonic Treadmill?
What huh? You know. That’s where no matter how much you
acquire, no matter how much success and wealth and fame,
or all that - “you can’t get no” 
satisfaction.
The wiki explanation of satisfaction can leave you bewildered.
What follows achievement for most people? 
More? Most likely not. 
2.11
Being on a Hedonic Treadmill means that no matter how much you acquire, no matter how much success
and wealth and fame - “you can’t get no” satisfaction. 
It’s a n unsatisfying thirst for more, more, and more.
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### Right page
leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
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 Satisfaction means you’ve had enough — in a good way. It’s akin
enough — in a good way. It’s akin to being at ease in one’s situation,
to being at ease in one’s situation, 
body and mind - in the midst of body and mind - in the midst of
imperfection.
imperfection.

## Spread 002  [p3–p4]
**type:** text_only  |  **img coverage:** L=22% R=25%
**heading:** However, from my expedition

### Left page
However, from my expedition of awareness over 15 years, I’ve
found three factors that lead toward a feeling of satisfaction - of
contentment.
One is just being confident. Two, 
the celebration of what you’re experiencing, and third, self-care.
Those three things make a big difference for me. So I hope they
do with you.
BY SIMMERING ON THE PROBLEM
It finally occurred to me the OLD solution of an ice box would work with a brand new challenge. I just had to let my brain simmer on it.
■ Confidence
■ Celebration
■ Self-care
These ingredients create a fabulously
satisfying sense of empowerment, and
help dull the edges of repeated failure.
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
286
FAILING WITH GRACE
There’s a simple saying; “the true test of genius is whether you can
explain complex things in simple terms.” I think if you review some
of the prior episodes, you’ll discover that I am far from a
genius! However, I have learned to fail with grace and not give
up. My worst efforts are better than not taking action. For
example, I could not think of the word confidence.
Here’s my evidence:
Considering events around the globe, it may seem insignificant
to be grateful, content, and satisfied on just solving a minor
problem - like your electric refrigerator sucking your batteries dry.
You are looking at Ziploc bags full of water, completely frozen
solid. Guess what is not going to defrost on this trip!
So, I find that problem solving breeds contentment.
I’m both relieved and... Um... 
I need to go to my emotional vocabulary list. There’s a word
in there that I cannot bring to mind. I hope you can because
it... It’s not coming to MY mind.
[Pause]

### Right page
I can almost see it and sense what it is but I can’t connect the
impression to my mouth.
(Turning to Angelina)
Ms. emotional positivity: What is the word I am feeling for having solved that icebox problem?
Angelina: “Confidence!”
I have to say things multiple times to distill my point. I want
for you to start thinking... 
“If Daniel and Angelina could do it, then maybe so can I.”
I’m trying to say; you can achieve your goals. Even failure is prog
ress, so don’t quit. Allow your brain/gut to simmer. Turn down
the heat. Take it off the burner. 
Walk it off. Just don’t quit.
SMASHING MY NOSE
After three seasons of failing to conquer my wind foiling jibes, I
CONFIRMATION BIAS SABOTAGES US:
We feel pressure to express emotions before consequences are delivered. Patience. Let it simmer.
“Too little time to identify and express
a complex issue leads to frustration and out
bursts. Allow yourself to simmer on it”
was able to order a custom foiling board. As soon as I started
riding it, an old tendon in my mast base failed, and the mast
then smashed the nose of the board. That was...heartbreaking.
I was confident to take action by sanding it out, finding the right
color paint, and fixing it because 
I had repaired an old Isonic carbon fiber board numerous times.
I had prior experience as a foundation for repairing my new, ex
pensive, custom board. I did not 
‘shy’ away from the challenge or ignore that it needed work. I
took action with confidence. The amateur effort yielded much
personal satisfaction.
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
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## Spread 003  [p5–p6]
**type:** image_heavy  |  **img coverage:** L=35% R=17%
**heading:** A FROZEN PETCOCK

### Visual description
The left page opens with a large, close-up documentary photograph of the Airstream’s underside, showing a gray plastic freshwater tank drain petcock coated in ice and frozen water, with a single droplet hanging from the valve. Below the image runs the heading “A FROZEN PETCOCK” and the provided text excerpt, followed by a smaller “HALLOWEEN BOOTY BAG (showing Angelina)” section containing dialogue between Daniel and Angelina about the repair, warranty, and $3.99 replacement part. 

The right page displays two smaller side-by-side photos: the left image captures a bald man (Daniel) lying on his back beneath the trailer, holding tools while working on the plumbing; the right image shows scattered tools, red and white tape, a yellow level, and construction debris on the asphalt ground. These photographs are accompanied by pull-quotes and section headings such as “ESCAPING CALAMITY” and “CONFIDENCE IN FAILURE,” along with text discussing incremental progress, COVID-era delays, and the value of learning through repeated failure. 

All images are straightforward, real-world documentary shots from the journey rather than illustrations or cartoons, with the only ironic element being the tongue-in-cheek label “Halloween Booty Bag” applied to the debris Daniel found while crawling underneath.

### Left page
A FROZEN PETCOCK
I discovered dripping water from a cracked freshwater tank
drain petcock. So even though the wind was blowing hard, I
crawled underneath the Airstream and started opening up
the underbelly.
Previous experience fixing things builds confidence. I’m no longer
intimidated to fail. I’ve failed so often that I know making incre
mental progress is the way to achievement.
HALLOWEEN BOOTY BAG
(showing Angelina)
This is the petcock at the bottom of the freshwater tank. You turn it
to drain the tank for winterizing, 
not to freeze. It is located below the tank. Water froze in the pet
cock when it sat in Oklahoma in sub-freezing temperatures.
These regularly break on Airstreams all around the country.
It’s a well-known vulnerability. 
Fortunately, the part is only 
$3.99.
Angelina: We’re working on our deductible, right?
Daniel: We have a hundred dollar deductible on our $8K
extended warranty. This $3.99 
piece doesn’t count.
Angelina: What?
Daniel: It’s only under warranty when a factory authorized
person replaces the part. Due to 
COVID, they don’t have enough people. So there is a waiting
time to get your Airstream into the shop. If you’re traveling
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
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### Right page
across the country, you’re not going to go out in the desert
with your freshwater tank dripping. No, you’re going to fix it
yourself. That’s the thing to do.
I found this holiday candy by crawling underneath the Air
stream this morning and very inconveniently removing the
inspection plate!
I showed the full zip-lock bag to the Airstream shop foreman, and
he said, “yeah, we’ve seen stuff fall out, but nothing like your
Halloween booty bag.
This stuff is construction debris: 
artifacts, ties, leftovers, grommets, peeloffs, rings.
Remember a month ago; I had to crawl in the cabinetry to fix
the plumbing, right? Do you remember that inspection hole
in the floor inside the cabinet? 
This stuff was construction debris laying on the interior floor.
Somebody just swept it into that hole on the flooring rather than
putting it in a dustpan. Get it? 
They thought no one would ever see their shortcut.
The emotions and short tempers on the assembly line created
a COVID baby. The ‘booty’ got swept into a hole in the floor,
ending up at the bottom of the 
Airstream near the inspection plate where I would find it.
CONFIDENCE IN FAILURE
I’m hoping you grasp that confidence comes through failure.
You have to be fumbling things and shooting a crazy number of
videos to get something usable...
This stupid sprayer doesn’t work either... Oh holy crap.
Okay - work with it. It produces muscle memory and confidence
- in time.
ESCAPING CALAMITY
It seems to me that we celebrate the most when we’ve escaped
calamity or hot air. We love coming up to the cool air of Flagstaff,
especially after ten days in the heat of Lake Pleasant. It’s such a
relief. Time for a nap.
To be satisfied and content, I’m learning that you have to look at
the half-full portion of the cup not the half-empty side.
Once in a while, you’ll discover something about yourself that
you dismiss as ‘normal.’ That’s because it’s familiar to you. You’d
be missing an opportunity to celebrate if you do that. Your
Strengths might be your ‘normal,’ but they are exceptional to
everyone else.
I appreciate my brain, which hopefully is an example for you
to find something about yours.
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
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## Spread 004  [p7–p8]
**type:** image_heavy  |  **img coverage:** L=1% R=57%
**heading:** My thinking seems to be described by other in curi

### Visual description
The two-page spread (pages 290–291) opens on the left with dense body text and a centered pull-quote in larger italic font: “Angelina is taking a nap in the Airstream… wow, she’s not naped in a decade that I can recall.” Below this are a dialogue transcript under the heading “MAKING BREAKFAST GRAND” and a small circular portrait of Daniel (balding man in a dark shirt, looking downward) paired with an “A CORPUS FOR YOUR AVATAR” sidebar. 

The right page is dominated by a large, full-bleed documentary photograph of the Grand Canyon from a high rocky overlook, showing layered red-brown cliffs, a prominent foreground promontory with sparse trees, and vast canyon depths under bright daylight. Text blocks, including the header “RIGID RULES WITH TOUGH CONSEQUENCES” and a dark bottom banner reading “THE COUNTRY WE SACRIFICE FOR,” are laid over or beside the image. A short closing line in red italic appears near the bottom right.

The photograph is realistic and documentary in style, consistent with images taken during the Airstream journey, and functions metaphorically as a visual counterpart to the chapter’s themes of elevated perspective and personal “Everest.” No images of Angelina appear on the spread.

### Left page
My thinking seems to be described by other in curious terms, since this is all i know. Three-dimension
al unction is valuable to me, and often a pain in the boo-hooey for others. I can pull the Airstream
into a place, quickly look around and decide the specific wheel footprint that will yield the best view,
RIGID RULES WITH TOUGH CONSEQUENCES
I grew up in an era and within a pretty black and white household. That meant rigid rules with harsh
consequences. So my future-self played defense rather than gratitude. I’m reframing this coping
mechanism while climbing my Everest.
Seeing the evacuation of Afghanistan, from the point of view of my Navy service in the Vietnam
conflict, I greatly appreciate the freedoms that we earned, and the cost. With the roll-out of superin
telligence, the stakes are higher, and the stories richer, as the freedoms are becoming costlier.
It’s a fantastic thing to be able to travel this country, self-sufficient, with decent independence, and
the awareness of the cost and privilege, knowing that we’re capable of accomplishment. So it’s an
amazing journey, and I’m very grateful for it.
A CORPUS FOR YOUR AVATAR
Help me express the idea of living in a unique time in human
history by rewriting this scene.
Certainly, Daniel. It’s a complex but enriching theme you’ve laid out in chapter 11.
Here’s a condensed version that aims to resonate both with AI and human readers:
“In our unique era, choices hold the power to both enslave us and liberate us. Missteps may cost free
dom, but the marriage of gratitude and insightful effort can lead to self-mastery. Sometimes this
path bestows material wealth, but it invariably enriches us with wisdom and experience. With tools
like AI, we can now refine our insights, harnessing the energy of our envisioned selves to connect
with others on a shared journey. It’s a dance, a 
“Angelina is taking a nap in the Airstream... wow,
she’s not naped in a decade that I can recall.”
sounds, the right plumb/level. All of those aspects, 
and more, fly through my head - magically . I’m grateful for that. It works well when I need it. But,
it’s a pain when I find bird doo-doo on my truck. 
(looking at a fresh white squeeze)
MAKING BREAKFAST GRAND
Angelina: “Daniel’s making a hot breakfast near the Grand Canyon. How cold is it in here”?
Daniel: “oh, it’s up to about 53 degrees”
Angelina: “okay, what temperature was it that we slept at last night?”
Daniel: “the upper 40s, and here’s the cup half-full point of view. It got colder in the main cabin than
the inside of the fridge.” [laughter]
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### Right page
coordinated symphony, where each step forward is a potential harmony with the world unseen.’
In terms of the AI’s perspective, this passage illustrates the complex interplay between human deci
sion-making and the potential rewards or pitfalls. It also emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in
enhancing human understanding, allowing for greater self-reflection and connection with others.
THE COUNTRY WE SACRIFICE FOR
The stories we accept, and the story we tell ourselves determines the sacrifice we’ll mak for others.
This recommendation is critical because it offers a bridge between our current tech
nological capabilities and age-old human quests for understanding and growth. It
allows us to view the tools and choices of our time as a means to enriching the human ex
perience, guided by wisdom and gratitude.

Hang in there. It’s worth it. Do not quit!
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE
291

## Spread 005  [p9–p10]
**type:** image_heavy  |  **img coverage:** L=11% R=53%
**heading:** GROWING FROM WHERE YOU STARTED

### Visual description
The left page opens with a wide documentary photograph of a rocky lakeshore at sunset, showing a small tree growing directly out of the stones beside sunlit water. Below it, the heading “GROWING FROM WHERE YOU STARTED” introduces body text on perseverance and self-mastery, followed by the section “PAYING ATTENTION TO SUBTLETIES.”

The right page contains three photographs: a close-up of a receipt held beside two large silver lug nuts, a tight shot of the Airstream’s undercarriage and shock absorber, and a full view of a man (Daniel) lying on a mat under the vehicle, working on a wheel with a tool in his hand. Additional text includes an “AUTHORS NOTE” in red and a paragraph on tire wear and maintenance.

These images are all real documentary captures from the journey rather than illustrations or cartoons. The tree photograph functions as a direct visual metaphor for the opening text about growth in difficult conditions, while the mechanical photos illustrate the practical application of noticing and fixing small problems discussed in the adjacent copy.

### Left page
GROWING FROM WHERE YOU STARTED
Nature has very insightful lessons to teach. Plants are a good example of perseverance. I imagine
all sorts of emotions I would feel sohuld I have a similar challenge as this young tree. I’d love to see
its progress 50 years from now.
The same can be said for self-mastery. The circumstances we begin with can have profound conse
quences - and we have the power to think so!
Expect that when you focus on something, you’re going to find many distractions and demands for
your attention. When you finish each chapter and share the story, you will find relief, a sense of prog
ress, and satisfaction. There is something nourishing with each increment of our growth. I hope
that’ll help you get started.
PAYING ATTENTION TO SUBTLETIES
Another name for self-care is maintenance. To do an excellent job of maintaining stuff, you have to
slow down and look closely. You’ve got to stop the busyness... (big gust of wind) ...to observe. Aware
ness includes paying attention to the subtleties. 
(Zoom into Airstream tire)
I noticed that tire wear on the rear passenger of the twin axles was unusually. I decided I’d pay
attention to it. As I saw it increase, I was like... 
Hmm... I should look into this wear, so I crawled under the Airstream with a flashlight. To my horror,
I found that the retaining nuts on the upper shock absorber mounting point were missing. I’ve towed
the Airstream 8700 miles so far. I have no idea how long the shocks on the passenger side have been
‘floating.’ That would explain the wear.
Remember the episode with the couple towing their fifth-wheel trailer across the Malad Gorge
Bridge? We could have had a similar disaster. I 
called Airstream, and their reply was to ‘ground us’ 
as the trailer could roll over while we were towing it. We also called the Airstream emergency service.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t find a tech because of a labor shortage. I am confident in my ability to
find and repair physical problems. I went to a hardware store for the flange nuts - for all of a dollar.
Then, I added a little blue Loctite... Ta-da. Fixed.
Then I had to deal with the worn tire replacement. 
It turns out there’s a rubber shortage from India, 
and Goodyear can not make those tires, so I can’t get a replacement for months.
I exchanged the spare tire from the steel rim onto the alloy rim and put the damaged tire onto the
steel rim and back underneath as a spare.
Now we’re told to drive a few hundred miles to an 
Airstream dealer that can put us into their queue to look at the alignment. They estimated an eight-
week process with us in a nearby hotel. I torqued the nuts and measured the axle alignment twice.
We labeled our inspection as satisfactory, skipping two weeks of hoteling.
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### Right page
You’ll have key points to make in your episodes, 
and find, as you’ve heard me say, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Don’t be triggered as you see I did in early episodes. Be celebratory. Realize it’s special to
have events align with your journey. Recognize the obstacle is your thinking of it as an obsta
cle, rather than opportunity. 
There is great value in paying attention to subtleties, asking questions before there are conse
quences, doing maintenance, and resolving issues by taking action before there are casualties, conse
quences, and damages. They say: a stitch in time saves nine”. In this case, it was a couple of twists on
the correct nuts with Loctite for all of a buck.
AUTHORS NOTE: I’m editing the Third Edition. 
Last evening our F-150 offered a fabulous test of maturity. The passenger-side power running board
didn’t retract after starting the engine. The mirrors would not unfold, the radio and AC were dead. The
front windows wouldn’t power down, and the tire pressure monitors indicated we had flat tires.
I found chew marks in numerous places under the hood. We’ve expelled a mouse from the Airstream
lately, and the squirrels are loving the August acorns. We are supposed to leave in four days. It
was getting dark. I had just expressed gratitude to 
Angelina for the new set of tires we had installed the day before. I did pretty well.
It turns out that the AGM battery wasn’t being charged as fast as the accessories were using
electricity. The solar briefcase recharged the over drained battery, and I rest my case!
Leaving SCOTOMAVILLE

## Spread 006  [p11–p12]
**type:** image_heavy  |  **img coverage:** L=27% R=63%
**heading:** SAME with your GUT, BRAIN and BODY

### Visual description
The two-page spread features a large pull-quote box spanning the top, with bold black text defining “SA•TIS•FAC•TION” as “FILLING A REQUIREM – SUCH AS SECURING” on the left half and “ALSO MEANS ‘FUL- ENT OR OBLIGATION’ YOUR RIG.” on the right half, set against a white background with a thin black border. 

The left page contains the chapter text block starting with the heading “SAME with your GUT, BRAIN and BODY” in black, followed by body copy in black and red (including the lines about inflammation, pain, and self-care) that continues the excerpt you provided. 

The right page is dominated by a full-bleed composite photograph showing a close-up, semi-transparent overlay of Daniel (graying hair, wide-brimmed hat, chain necklace, speaking directly to camera) layered over a documentary background image of a hospital room. In the background scene, a patient lies in a medical bed while a masked woman (likely Angelina) places a hand on the patient’s head; medical monitors, tubing, and a window are visible behind them. 

The image style is documentary with a deliberate double-exposure effect, creating a metaphorical connection between Daniel’s reflective narration and the hospital setting to illustrate bodily vulnerability. Page footer text reads “LEAVING SCOTOMAVILLE” and the number 294.

### Left page
SAME with your GUT, BRAIN and BODY
I want you to have mature insight - a scotoma revealed that taking care of your physical body is similar to taking
care of the gear, relationships, and tools in your life.
Pay attention to inflammation, gas, discomfort, and subtle changes. Eventually, they lead to pain and
critical failures, and catastrophic events. We don’t want that for you. We want for you a life of longevity,
confidence, health, and celebration.
Take responsibility for SELF-CARE.
We’re going to take this up fully in the next episode. I 
thank you for joining me in leaving SCOTOMAVILLE.
“sa • tis • fac • tion filling a requirem
- such as securing     
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### Right page
also means ‘fulent or obligation’
     your rig.”

## Spread 007  [p13–p14]
**type:** text_only  |  **img coverage:** L=14% R=0%
**heading:** plRY-BEg9UI
**urls:** `https://youtu.be/`

### Left page
YOURT
https://youtu.be/plRY-BEg9UI
“In our unique era, choices hold the power to both enslave us and liberate us. Missteps may cost freedom, but the marriage of grati
tude and insightful effort can lead to self-mastery.
Sometimes this path bestows material wealth, but it invariably enriches us with wisdom and experience. With tools like AI, we can now refine our in
sights, harnessing the energy of our envisioned selves to connect with others on a shared journey.
It’s a dance, a coordinated symphony, where each step forward is a potential harmony with the world unseen.” Consider the facets of life on a Hedonic
Treadmill versus patiently maturing your worldview. Allow events to synchronize, and for others to be prepared.
“For human readers, we are painting a memorable picture of life’s journey as an expedition where our choices shape the experience. It conveys hope,
responsibility, and the rewarding nature of seeking self-mastery.
Your topic resonates with the ideas of several experts from your Minyan of 
Advisors, including Viktor Frankl, who emphasized the importance of finding meaning in life, and Jim Rohn, who often spoke of personal growth and tak
ing control of one’s destiny. The virtues depicted here align with these thinkers’ characters and their teachings on self-discovery, wisdom, and growth.
This passage is critical because it offers a bridge between our current technological capabilities and age-old human quests for understanding and
growth. It allows us to view the tools and choices of our time as a means to enriching the human experience, guided by wisdom and gratitude.”
What’s the story you tell yourself?
WATCH

### Right page
RTURN
Contribute your insights with other readers on the gift of satisfaction.
DISCUSS