Bramacharya

Moderation

To not indulge in sensory pleasure. Often interpreted as chastity, in its wider sense it´s more about moderation in all aspects of life. Too much of something is not good, but too little is not good either.

Take food for example. If you eat too much you will become obese, and with that all sorts of diseases may come. Eating too little can result in anorexia and malnutrition. And it also afects your mind. Becoming obsessed with something will definately take a lot of energy, and probably take you away from the things that really matter. It makes it harder to enjoy life, even though in the moment of indulgence, it might seem like that is exaclty what you are doing. Eating one peice of candy can be a way of enjoying life, but eating ten peices can make you sick. Never allowing yourself to have candy can be a way of not alowing yourself to enjoy life. It takes discipline to say no, and courage to say yes, and self reflection and mindfullness to realize where you need to practice moderation. When practicing moderation, you are also practicing ahimsa.

Moderation also applies to your yoga practice. I know, I'm a person who easily gives 110% to the things I enjoy doing, like yoga, and even though it is something good, it can become too much. I "burn" myself out. I get a back lash and then usually the pendulum goes in the other direction, and I need some time when I hardly do anything at all, just to recuperate. Then slowly, slowly the pendulum comes closer and closer to the middle, and I realize that it is easier and more wise to take the middle way. It takes less energy but gives more. But perhaps it is a process that is needed to go through. To go to the extremes before you can find moderation.
I´m sure you can find your own areas where you are indulging.

Moderation is the key to balance, and balace is necessary for finding happiness and health.