210515 What I learned in my studies this morning

Anticipation... 

Savory meals to sate me. 

Sweeter for waiting. 

From The Daily Stoic: 

There's a reason the Ten Commandments includes "do not covet thy neighbor's ass." Besides the obvious humor value, it holds this same piece of wisdom. 

If I can refrain from wanting the things my friends / family / coworkers / neighbors have, and be thankful for what I already possess, I will be content and undisturbed. 

I've done a pretty good job of this in my life. When a friend has something nice, I focus on being happy for them and don't think "gee, I wish I had one, too."

Envy is not usually one of my vices. Still, best to remind myself of the misery it can bring were I to succumb to it. 

Today's Meditation:

From A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine 

Chapter 7: Self-Denial On Dealing with the Dark Side of Pleasure

Practicing self-denial is essential for happiness. It seems contradictory, but, when we think about it, it becomes obvious.

If I always pursue pleasure, what happens when misfortune befalls me? I despair. I cry. I find myself in wretched unhappiness because I am denied that which I so ardently desire.

If, on the other hand, I sometimes deny myself pleasure, sometimes deliberately endure discomfort and hardship, I inoculate myself against such emotional trauma.

I am currently about 7 hours from ending an almost six day fast. Not a morsel for the past 135 hours. (I could go longer, but I'm celebrating an event with family and that is worth breaking my fast.) 

I do this regularly for health reasons, but it melds seamlessly with this Stoic practice.

If, for some reason, I was denied food for a week, I know without doubt I could handle it. And I know, without doubt, that the meal I share with my family this afternoon will be all the sweeter for it.