I've noticed a peculiar yet defining irony about the times we live in. You see, we've found ourselves in an age of abundance. In the United States, what was once a luxury a hundred years ago, like fruit, is now readily available. But as I've recently discovered, even these blessings can become a curse if consumed excessively.
For several days, I struggled with some unpleasant stomach issues. The reason eluded me, until one day I decided to cut fruit out of my diet. The result was an eye-opener. My belly troubles improved, and I felt less bloated. It dawned on me that too much fruit was making my stomach acidic and the sugars were leading to weight gain. The 'good' thing had turned into a 'bad' thing.
And it's not just with fruit, I've noticed this pattern with other things too. Take plant medicines for instance, like marijuana, mushrooms, and LSD. They are regarded for their healing properties. Yet, when used in excess, they can disorient and even send your life spiraling downwards.
Moreover, let's consider our comforts and luxuries. It feels great to be pampered, to indulge in spas, massages, and the finest amenities. But being overly reliant on these luxuries can lead to unwanted effects. They can make you complacent and rob you of your appreciation for the ordinary and everyday pleasures that life has to offer.
The abundance we're privileged with today, the variety of food we can savor, the shelter we have, and the numerous conveniences that modern life grants us, is truly a blessing. Yet, the funny and perhaps the real challenge is learning to navigate this abundance without falling into the trap of excess.
As I see it, our struggle is not against scarcity, but against plenty. We need to learn how to say 'no', to intentionally fast from these indulgences, and to moderate our consumption. It's not just a skill, it's a necessity. Too much of a 'good' thing, as I've learnt, can quickly turn into a 'bad' thing.
So, the real test of our times, it seems, is in mastering the art of moderation.