Life Coaching: 'Everything' In Moderation

'Everything in moderation' is frequently used to remind oneself that more of a good thing is not necessarily better. While the metaphor has become well-used; for the majority of people it has become a cliche with little significance to its true meaning. Socrates is credited with being the first to state, "Everything in moderation. Nothing in excess," 2500 years ago.

Socrates believed humans need to learn to 'know how to choose the mean and avoid the extremes on either side, as much as possible.' Socrates emphasized considering the effects of either an exclusive devotion to one thing or an exclusive devotion to another thing. This devotion either produced a temper of hardness and ferocity, or the softness and effeminacy.

Having both qualities, he posited, produces harmony; goodness and beauty.

Buddha discovered a way to experience glory and wonder five hundred years before Jesus experienced what he called 'the kingdom.'

Buddha said we find glory and wonder by walking the middle way (a.k.a moderation). The middle way is learning how to be moderate in all things. It is finding the middle path inside oneself where all of your Self agrees with the decisions you are making, not just a part of your Self, but all of your Self agrees.

Buddhism began in India, about 500 years before the Apostolic era and the origins of Christianity in Israel. It is interesting to note, both Christianity and Buddhism are currently greatly diminished in their countries of origin.

Buddhism is a philosophy-a way of life-based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautma (566 - 486 BC). Gautama was an Indian prince in Lumbini (now Nepal). As a prince he was destined for a privileged life. After discovering the middle way at age 35, while meditating Siddhartha reached enlightenment, awakening to the true nature of reality, Absolute Truth.

Siddhartha became known as the Buddha. Buddha from ancient Indian languages, Pali and Sanksrit, means 'One who has awakened.' Derived from the verbal root 'budh,' to awaken' or 'to be enlightened,' and 'to comprehend.'

"The gift of truth excels all other gifts.' The world is continuous flux and is impermanent. -Buddha "Transient are conditioned things. Try to accomplish your aim with diligence." -Buddha's last words

What is your absolute truth? What are your Ah Ha (awakened) moments?

May you walk the middle way this day listening to your inner wisdom. As you walk in moderation your inner wisdom will open you to your glory and wonder - Who you truly are.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Metaphysician - Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy facilitates clearing blocks, fears and limiting beliefs. You can live the life you desire. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's thoughts and feelings.