Pleasures vs. Punishments
“So called pleasures, when they go beyond a certain limit, are but punishments.” ~ Seneca from Letters from a Stoic
Greek philosophers like Aristotle, the Stoics were/are all about self-control, self-mastery and virtuous living. Does this sound familiar…??
“For both excessive and insufficient exercise destroy one’s strength, and both eating and drinking too much or too little destroy health, whereas the right quantity produces, increases or preserves it." Anonymos-
We have to remember that “so-called pleasures,” when they go past a certain point, become punishments.
It is very common for us to misinterpret the pleasure vs. punishments dilemma.
We need to continue to strive for BALANCE.
In our daily lives of routine, strict exercise and eating behaviors, it is essential for us to know that taking anything too far only leads to punishment! To our friends, family, and selves!
Think about the PLEASURES you have in your life, and are you taking them so far that they’ve become PUNISHMENTS?
It could be your diet, watching a bit too much TV, eating too much, spending too much time online, spending too much money to fill a void or, anything else that is out of the norm.
It is true that we may find we are going to extreme during dieting but remember to regroup after and realize that too much of something can and will lead to excessive behavior and possible punishment.
Just a little something to ponder:
February 18, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I think this is an outstanding posting. At times we become tunnel visioned in what we are doing in our everyday lives or what is important to us that we can lose focus of those around us or the ones "we" say mean so much to us.
Thanks for posting, this should have eveyone sit back a moment and reflect.
February 18, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Great post!
One of those things where life works out funny. Spending too much time doing other things and not going to the gym as I should be. Log into bodyspace and find this post.
Good luck with all your goals, hit em all.
February 18, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, but the right amount of a bad thing can be a good thing!!!
February 22, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I know how it feels to live with skin cancer - to lose all hair, to lose weight uncontrollably. To feel weak and depleated. I had it - went through chemo and radiation. Today I am stronger, but am dealing with the ending - yes ending of an eating disorder. I am trying to figure out what will make me look better. I long to feel stronger - the way I used to feel. Ripped and strong. I’m 5′10 and 126 lbs. SKINNY to say the least. I now am eating a ton of protein and veggies - yes and carbos too. I just want to get the rest of my butt to work into my hams. Any thoughts, please? All would be appreciated. Best of luck to all who read this.
Lucy
February 23, 2009 at 2:59 pm
amen! if it’s worth doing it’s worth overdoing! that was the point right? did I miss something?