How Can I Develop Self-Control & Moderation?

Summary

The 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.