The word brahmacharya is also understood broadly in yoga as "sexual continence," which can be understood as being applicable as appropriate in different contexts (e.g., faith in marriage, celibacy for spiritual aspirants etc...In yoga, the term brahmacharya tends to take on a connotation of disciplining the use of and preserving sexual energy.
Brahmacharya is also observed to contain one's sensual desires for food and taste, as well as materialism. Most brahmacharis prescribe to avoiding the consumption of meat, spices and cooked foods, which are said to cultivate the taste buds and pleasure senses of the mind. Wikipedia]
Basically: Moderation.
I'm just going to come right out and say that the whole idea of purity/celibacy is not going to happen. That is something that was not a part of my belief set when I was a Christian, nor is it something that I wish to do now as an Atheist.
This last week I focused on being moderate in my consuption of food and in my consumption of consumer goods with the holidays being right here. Being conscious of my food intake was a little challenging since there are so many tasty things that I want to eat (and overeat) this time of year.
In hindsight I should have applied this principal of "conserving energy" and "moderation" to my personal and professional life. With so much going on, I managed to have meetings and other sorts of engagements nearly every night of the week. Excessive? Yes. Necessary? Questionable.
That's a lesson that can be applied to everything this time of year though. In the past I would sit through multiple thanksgiving and christmas dinners in order to see all the family and friends. Now I just leave town and see who I want to see as opposed to eating and eating and eating while not enjoying any of it.
Does moderation bring enjoyment? That I am not sure. I say that as I've eating an entire box of cookies by myself. However, I think moderation can bring balance and that balance is the starting point for having a constistant enjoyment of everything that is happening around you. No matter how crazy it seems.
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