Tag Archives: moderation

Practicing the middle way

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Practicing the middle way means bringing moderation and compassion to what we do. Taking the extremes in our efforts rarely works for long.

—Calm App Reflection

image from Unsplash by Aziz Acharki

The concept of “Taking the Middle Way” has various interpretations across different philosophical, religious, and cultural contexts.

Here are a few I have found useful in my life journey:

From Buddhism, the middle way emphasizes balance and a path of moderation in spiritual practices and daily life.

In Aristotelian ethics, the middle way suggests that virtue lies between excess and deficiency.

In Politics, the middle way emphasizes an outlook that aims to find common ground between left and right-wing ideologies, seeking compromise and moderate positions on various issues.

In Self-Help and personal growth contexts, the middle way seeks to strike a balance between different aspects of life, such as work and leisure, or ambition and contentment.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world would taking the middle way help you avoid the extremes of life?

Consider your digital consumption, consumerism, health and wellness issues, and your financial management as possible areas to explore.

Out of moderation a pure happiness springs

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“Out of moderation a pure happiness springs.”

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 17th Century German playwright, scientist, & statesman

Image from Unsplash by Aziz Acharki

Where did the concept of moderation go out the window over the holidays? Consider the following list and add some of your own:

  • Food and drink
  • Gift giving/spending money
  • Staying up late and missing out on sleep
  • Staying in bed and too much leisure
  • Excessive media consumption
  • Lack of physical activity

Where did getting out of balance present a cost that you regret? Where was the payoff worth it?

EXERCISE:

How and where might you pursue the happiness found in moderation as you settle into the rhythm of the new year?

“Rather than choose ‘all’ or ‘nothing,’ choose ‘a little something.’”

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“Rather than choose ‘all’ or ‘nothing,’ choose ‘a little something.’”

—Chip & Dan Heath – Decisive

Image from Amazon

It seems like it is necessary to “go big or go home” in order to get attention these days. The noise levels are so high that all in efforts are required to stand out.

How is this approach working for you or others in your personal and professional communities?

Growing up, my parents and grandparents believed that being loud and proud was not the path of a good life, and that humility and doing most things in moderation was the way to go.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life would taking the “a little something” approach be the wisest strategy to pursue? Where would finding a more moderate middle ground offer the right balance you may be seeking?

“Maturity is arriving at a sense of enoughness.”

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“Maturity is arriving at a sense of enoughness.”

David Whyte, English poet, speaker and organizational thinker

Image from Unsplash by Felicia Buitenwerf

Enoughness may be a better word to use instead of balance these days.

Consider the recent holidays. Where, when, how, and with whom did you go a bit or a bunch overboard in any or all of the following:

  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Spending Money
  • Sleeping
  • Watching TV
  • Being overly merry

What are some of the down sides of excessiveness in these and other areas that come to mind?

Where are there places in your daily life—beyond holidays and weekends—where the drive for more or too much to handle is actually too much for your own good?

EXERCISE:

Where would a bit less, some restraint, moderation, and a greater grasp on enoughness in your world help you gain greater maturity and yes, greater balance in your life?