Brian Browne-Walker 442 words, 50K views, 20 comments
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On Oct 19, 2013david doane wrote :
For me, "do less, not more" is a practice that I am still learning. I'm good at overdoing, and it could be when I am making a point to someone or building something (and using more nails than necessary) or rewriting something or exercising or eating or drinking or most anything. There is wisdom in knowing when to stop. As Mary Poppins said, "Enough is as good as a feast." In speaking or helping, less leaves something for the receiver to do, and more than enough is disrespectful. Less seems appreciated while more is resisted. Less is digested while more is overload. Less is remembered while more is forgotten. And if I go on, I'll go beyond less, if I haven't already. Moderation in all things seems to be a related wisdom. It's the middle way. As Goldilocks learned, not too much and not too little, but just right. I think moderation requires heeding internal and external signals and requires discipline. What has helped me regarding moderation of both enthusiasm and despair is knowing that nothing lasts, knowing my control is very limited, and there are always tradeoffs. Lows become highs and highs become lows. On the other hand, and I think very important, moderation can be boring. Moderation in all things including in moderation seems wise to me. It's important to enjoy the ups and downs, enjoy the ride, live. The Buddhists say it's important to get on the horse, and it's important to get off the horse. That's also moderation.
On Oct 22, 2013aj wrote :
Wow! So very true! Blessings, thanks and love (in moderation) my friend,
On Oct 19, 2013 david doane wrote :
For me, "do less, not more" is a practice that I am still learning. I'm good at overdoing, and it could be when I am making a point to someone or building something (and using more nails than necessary) or rewriting something or exercising or eating or drinking or most anything. There is wisdom in knowing when to stop. As Mary Poppins said, "Enough is as good as a feast." In speaking or helping, less leaves something for the receiver to do, and more than enough is disrespectful. Less seems appreciated while more is resisted. Less is digested while more is overload. Less is remembered while more is forgotten. And if I go on, I'll go beyond less, if I haven't already. Moderation in all things seems to be a related wisdom. It's the middle way. As Goldilocks learned, not too much and not too little, but just right. I think moderation requires heeding internal and external signals and requires discipline. What has helped me regarding moderation of both enthusiasm and despair is knowing that nothing lasts, knowing my control is very limited, and there are always tradeoffs. Lows become highs and highs become lows. On the other hand, and I think very important, moderation can be boring. Moderation in all things including in moderation seems wise to me. It's important to enjoy the ups and downs, enjoy the ride, live. The Buddhists say it's important to get on the horse, and it's important to get off the horse. That's also moderation.