How Can I Develop Self-Control & Moderation?

The Orthodox Ethos

10 Jun 202405:32

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the concept of moderation, drawing from the Greek phrase 'Metron Ariston,' and emphasizes its importance in spiritual development. It suggests starting with controlling speech and eating habits as a means to curb idleness and gluttony. The speaker advocates for intentional self-discipline, using self-punishment for lapses as a method to progress. The script also highlights the journey of self-improvement over time, comparing it to a war fought inch by inch, with the ultimate goal of achieving freedom from passions and moving towards holiness.

Takeaways

📘 The concept of 'everything in moderation' is rooted in the Greek phrase 'Metron Ariston', which emphasizes the importance of balance and measured actions in life.
🗣️ Developing moderation often starts with controlling speech and eating habits, suggesting that these are areas where one can make immediate progress.
🙏 A spiritual approach to moderation involves being vigilant, prayerful, and seeking divine assistance to cultivate self-control.
🤔 Intentionality is key in developing moderation; one should think before speaking and avoid idle talk to practice self-restraint.
🏋️‍♂️ Punishing oneself pedagogically, such as skipping sweets or doing extra prayers, can serve as a method to reinforce the habit of moderation.
🎨 The Aesthetics, known for their methodical and intentional cultivation of virtues, provide an example of how to develop moderation through self-discipline.
🚫 Combating idleness, gluttony, and slothfulness are suggested as initial steps towards achieving moderation and breaking free from enslaving habits.
🔄 Personal growth and maturity, both on a basic human level and spiritually, are part of the journey towards moderation and holiness.
🕰️ Reflecting on one's progress over time can provide evidence of personal transformation and the development of moderation.
🤹‍♂️ The struggle with passions and thoughts is a continuous process, but with effort, one can see a reduction in these struggles over the years.
🌱 Spiritual maturity involves recognizing and overcoming the 'old man' within, which represents being enslaved by passions and desires.
🛡️ The fight for moderation and freedom from passions is likened to a war, where one must make incremental progress day by day.

Q & A

What is the Greek phrase 'Metron Ariston' commonly translated to mean?
-The phrase 'Metron Ariston' is commonly translated to mean 'everything in moderation', emphasizing the importance of balance and restraint in all aspects of life.
What are the two areas mentioned in the script where one can start practicing moderation?
-The script suggests starting with the mouth, in terms of both speaking and eating, as the two areas to begin practicing moderation.
What is the suggested method for cultivating the habit of speaking less?
-The method involves being vigilant, prayerful, and intentionally cultivating thoughts before speaking. It also includes setting self-punishments like not eating sweets or doing extra prayers if one engages in idle talk.
Who are the 'Aesthetics' referred to in the script, and what did they do?
-The 'Aesthetics' referred to in the script are individuals who methodically and intentionally cultivated virtues, including biting their tongue to stop speaking and avoiding idle talk and gluttony.
How does the script describe the process of spiritual growth and self-improvement?
-The script describes spiritual growth as a gradual process, where one can look back over the years and see progress in overcoming passions and maturing both as a human and spiritually.
What is the script's perspective on the relationship between moderation and holiness?
-The script suggests that moderation is not just a middle ground but is actually where holiness begins, indicating a desire to move beyond mere moderation towards complete freedom from passions.
What is the significance of the war analogy used in the script?
-The war analogy is used to illustrate the gradual and persistent effort required in spiritual warfare, fighting inch by inch and step by step to become free from passions and the influence of demons.
What is the role of self-knowledge in the script's discussion on overcoming idle talk and gluttony?
-Self-knowledge is crucial as it allows one to recognize and catch oneself engaging in behaviors like idle talk and gluttony, and then consciously choose to refrain from them.
How does the script define the 'old man' and its relation to enslavement?
-The 'old man' in the script represents the part of oneself that is enslaved to passions and desires, focusing on self-gratification and being unfree.
What is the importance of methodical and thoughtful abstinence according to the script?
-Methodical and thoughtful abstinence is important as it helps one to introduce moderation into their life, which is a stepping stone towards holiness and freedom from passions.
What does the script imply about the journey towards spiritual maturity?
-The script implies that spiritual maturity is a continuous process of self-improvement and growth, where one should continually reflect on their progress and strive to move beyond moderation towards holiness.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Developing Moderation in Speech and Eating

The first paragraph discusses the concept of 'moderation' as derived from the Greek 'Metron Aristos', emphasizing the importance of measured behavior in all aspects of life. It suggests starting with controlling speech and eating habits as a means to develop self-discipline. The speaker advocates for being vigilant, prayerful, and intentional in reducing idle talk and overeating, using self-punishments like abstaining from sweets or additional prayers as a means to correct behavior. The paragraph also touches on the historical practices of the Aesthetics, who were methodical in cultivating virtues and overcoming the enslavement to passions, leading to personal and spiritual growth. The speaker reflects on the progress made over the years in Orthodox practice, highlighting the journey from struggle to self-awareness and freedom from the 'old man', or the old sinful nature.

05:00

🌟 Striving for Holiness Beyond Moderation

The second paragraph continues the theme of moderation, but with a focus on the aspiration to move beyond mere moderation to achieve holiness. It emphasizes that the goal is not to be 'moderate' in a lukewarm sense but to be entirely free from worldly passions. The speaker uses the metaphor of a war, comparing the spiritual battle against personal vices to the territorial disputes in conflicts like the one between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the gradual and determined effort required in spiritual growth. The paragraph concludes with the idea that through methodical and thoughtful practice, one can chip away at various aspects of life that hinder spiritual development, ultimately leading to a state of abstinence and moderation that is the starting point for true holiness.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Moderation

Moderation, in the context of this video, refers to the practice of self-restraint and balance in all aspects of life, as epitomized by the Greek phrase 'Metron Ariston'. It is central to the video's theme, which discusses the development of self-control, particularly in speech and eating. The speaker uses the concept of moderation as a starting point for spiritual growth and overcoming personal vices, such as idle talk and gluttony.

💡Measured

The term 'measured' is used to describe the Greek concept of 'Metron Ariston', which literally translates to 'everything in moderation'. It implies the idea of taking a balanced approach to life's indulgences and activities. The video suggests that a measured approach is essential for developing virtues and avoiding excesses that can lead to spiritual and personal stagnation.

💡Virtues

Virtues, in this video, are positive qualities or moral excellence that individuals aim to cultivate. The speaker mentions that the Aesthetics, or spiritual practitioners, were intentional and methodical in developing virtues such as self-control and moderation. Virtues are seen as the building blocks for a more disciplined and spiritually enriched life.

💡Aesthetics

The Aesthetics mentioned in the script refers to individuals who practiced asceticism in early Christianity, known for their focus on self-discipline and spiritual development. They are used as an example to illustrate the methodical and intentional cultivation of virtues, such as avoiding idle talk and controlling one's appetite.

💡Idleness

Idleness in the video is associated with unproductive or unnecessary actions, particularly idle talk. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against idle speech and suggests self-punishment, like abstaining from sweets, as a way to correct such behavior. Idleness is portrayed as something to be overcome in the pursuit of spiritual maturity.

💡Gluttony

Gluttony is defined as excessive eating or drinking, often to the point of wastefulness or unhealthy behavior. The video discusses it as a vice that needs to be controlled through moderation and self-discipline. It is presented as an area where individuals can make immediate progress towards a more balanced and virtuous lifestyle.

💡Self-Knowledge

Self-knowledge is the awareness and understanding of one's own character, motivations, and actions. In the video, self-knowledge is highlighted as a crucial aspect of personal and spiritual growth. The speaker mentions that with self-knowledge, one can recognize and prevent idle talk and other vices, leading to a more mature and self-controlled life.

💡Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is the process of developing one's spiritual and moral character. The video emphasizes that through the practice of moderation and the cultivation of virtues, individuals can experience spiritual growth. It is depicted as a gradual and intentional journey, with the speaker reflecting on personal progress over the years.

💡Passions

Passions, in this context, refer to strong emotions or desires that can lead to actions contrary to spiritual development. The video discusses the struggle to overcome passions, such as the desire for excessive food or idle chatter, as part of the spiritual journey towards moderation and holiness.

💡Holiness

Holiness is presented as the ultimate goal of spiritual development, beyond mere moderation. It implies a state of purity and dedication to spiritual principles. The speaker suggests that holiness begins with moderation but aims for complete freedom from the enslavement of worldly passions and desires.

💡Demons

Demons, in the video, symbolize the forces or temptations that lead individuals away from spiritual growth and moderation. They are associated with the passions and vices that individuals must fight against in their spiritual journey. The speaker uses the metaphor of a war to describe the struggle against these demonic influences.

Highlights

The Greek phrase 'Metron Ariston' translates to 'everything in moderation', emphasizing the importance of balance in life.

Developing moderation often starts with controlling speech and eating habits.

Being vigilant, prayerful, and intentional in speech can help cultivate moderation.

Avoiding idle talk and excessive eating are immediate areas to focus on for progress.

The Aesthetics were methodical and intentional in cultivating virtues like avoiding idle talk and gluttony.

Cutting back on things can help break free from the slavery of passions and dependencies.

Looking back over time can show personal growth and maturity in both a human and spiritual level.

Self-knowledge and catching oneself can prevent falling into old habits like idle talk and gluttony.

Egotism is often involved in gluttony and excessive talking, which are expressions of being enslaved to the old self.

Spiritual growth is a gradual process, fighting inch by inch, step by step, day by day to become free from passions.

Moderation is not just a middle ground, but the starting point of holiness, aiming for complete freedom from passions.

The journey towards holiness involves methodically and thoughtfully addressing aspects of life like idle talk, gluttony, and sleep.

Abstinence, or Ina, is extremely important in this journey towards moderation and holiness.

The struggle for freedom from passions is likened to a war, fought incrementally over time.

The goal is not just moderation, but complete freedom and transformation from the old self to a more spiritual being.