Lost and Found – a Novel by Ron Rink

Because life is short, the temptation to overindulge is ever-present.

We want to glean as much pleasure as possible from everything — such as what we eat or what we do. Or, conversely, we are so driven to stay healthy or be successful that we throw ourselves into exercise or work with abandon.

But the true means of achieving what you want lies not in overdoing it, but in moderation. A balanced life does not lean in one direction, but contains a measure of each element: work and play; friends, family, and solitude; pleasure and abstinence; and necessities and indulgences. The ancient Greeks practiced moderation in all things, believing that in excess, virtues became vices. And so it is. Things that benefit your body and soul in one amount, whether it is medication, nutrients, forethought, or introspection, can be harmful in higher amounts.

The concept of moderation is simply the capacity to exercise self-control.

Living moderately often means forgoing short-term pleasures in favor of deeper, long lasting happiness and considering all aspects of your actions. It also means never categorizing anything in terms of ‘always good’ or ‘always bad.’

*** Sleeping in for hours may seem a wonderful idea until you consider the daytime lost and the difficulty you may have sleeping later.

*** Avoiding all sweets feels like the healthiest choice, but may not be if it’s making you feel deprived.

*** A strong sense of thrift can become stinginess just as a strong sense of generosity can become a tendency to spend beyond your means.

The benefits of moderation are said to be a healthy body, a clear mind, increased vigor, and a welling up of positive emotions.

Moderation does not entail rigid control — rather it means to allow yourself just enough of any one thing for it to be satisfying, but not enough for it to be detrimental. Thus, it unlocks a healthy lifestyle without denying any pleasures, any ambitions, or your changing will. It brings about equilibrium and equanimity in all things.

Living a balanced life leads to rewarding experiences that not only heal and nurture, but can also fulfill you to a fantastic degree.

Shanti —–