This article is classified "Real"
In these times of plenty (for most of those who read this) I notice that it
is progressively difficult to appreciate how well off we are. In a state of
pamperedness and of everything-available-at-a-snap-of-the-fingers, lack of
real hardship and the rewarding relief after it ends has made us bored and
spoilt. Closets overfilled with clothes, remote controls, air conditioners,
snacks and soft coaches solely work to cloud our brains and turn us into
whimpering whiners.
I have found a humble solution to this "problem" which only requires a
little will-power to do. This can be difficult if you've progressed to a
deep state of numbness, but the fact that it involves not doing things
should make it easier. The solution is simply to create contrasts. An
effective period of abstinence sweetens the comfort afterwards. Don't just
abstain from consuming food, abstain from a lot more!
I will give some examples. There is great relief to be found resuming your
normal life after a period of:
1) not eating (don't over-do it!);
2) eating only bread and drinking only water;
3) not using the car. Cycle or walk instead;
4) not seeing your loved ones (not too long, that can be fatal!)
5) not taking a shower until you are sticky and smelly (careful
where and when you do this; this is best combined with 4);
6) not taking a leak (until you almost burst);
7) skating with skates too many sizes too small (personal
experience).
These are just a few examples of things what you can choose not to do.
Use a bit of creativity to add to this list and make your personal "diet".
Most of the above ways to abstain are found combined in outdoor camping.
Here some people are capable to over-do it to such an extent that it is
just not funny anymore... to their loved ones. The combined hardships, in
principle, make returning home like entering paradise. The rediscovery of
cooled drinks alone makes it all worth while! But there is one thing to be
said against this activity: the combination of many hardships weaken the
feeling of relief of the single abstinence. So much relief goes to waste
this way! Advice: keep it simple, just one or two at a time.
Concluding: do as I do, make it slightly difficult for yourself several
times per day. Wreck yourself by taking the many flights of stairs instead
of using the elevator, and then feel that you are alive!