“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with
what he would like to have.”
~ Socrates
Gluttony
Many are familiar with the term Gluttony; to gulp down or swallow; to over-indulgence, over-consume food or drink, or things to the point of extravagance or waste. Maybe you're really picky about your food... wanting it to be
prepared just right, or in just the right amount. For the most part, one of the biggest misunderstandings about Gluttony is that it only pertains to food.
However, for people who can't have enough toys, clothes, shoes, entertainment, sex, collections, or
even company ... it's about the excess of things and stuff, including food. Sometimes we might complain about unimportant defects in a
product, the
temperature in the room, or the color of a napkin. Most people
understand there is a
certain amount of discomfort to be expected in life, but those who're
Gluttons don't see it that way. Instead of becoming strong by suffering
the minor
inconveniences of life, the Glutton insists on being pampered. No one
dares to point out how petty or foolish they are. In fact, some
celebrities are praised for their excessive perfectionism, as though it
were a virtue.
As we know, in this wonderful world we live in, there are an endless array of good things to see and enjoy without becoming focused or consumed on
any one of them to the exclusion of every thing else. Don't become so caught up in a pleasure, whether food, fun or people, that you can no longer
enjoy other things, and would be willing to sacrifice other pleasures
for the one. It becomes gluttony when you demand more pleasure from something than what it was made for. Bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by binge eating
and purging, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of
time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed
(purging), typically by vomiting, taking a laxative or diuretic, and/or excessive exercise, is an example of gluttony... they enjoy eating more at the cost of
health and dignity. There's also Hoarding, a pattern of behavior that is characterized by the excessive acquisition
of and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of
objects that cover the living areas of the home, causing significant
distress among family and friends worried about dangers of fires and accidents. And, too many demands, these days, from parents who require too much time or too many
accomplishments from their young children is another example of gluttony.Gaining Control
To gain control of your over indulgences and contain your desires. o do this, live in a state of awareness and contentment. Plan meals; consider your budget, never skip breakfast and eat at a slower pace since eating anxiously is deemed gluttony. Gluttony is generally considered a sin of the flesh and the flesh will let you know when enough is enough, for instance, if you consume too much food or drink, you will either gain weight or become ill. Also, reduce your use of excessively pleasurable things. Not necessarily eliminating them, but cutting back and being aware of what you're doing at the moment. For example, cut back on eating before you're stuffed or give away item when you purchase more of similar items, such as shoes and clothes. And, be mindful of other people's time. Allow some quiet time - some together and some alone. And, of course, if you find that you're finding that being alone too often is pleasurable, then get out more and find some company.
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