Ten Tenets: Temperance

Temperance is a primarily positive attribute of the Ten Tenets. It is the energy of balance and reciprocity, mostly involving the amounts of energy or things we put in or take, but can be used to describe just about anything that can be considered to maintain or have balance.

Like all of the Tenets, temperance can become a negative thing, but is mostly beneficial. It helps us to find a proper balance among the many complex and intertwined aspects of life, and, while it is not always easy to accomplish or master, can provide a depth of enjoyment to our day to day existence that is very hard to come by without the benefit of temperance.

Temperance allows us to seek the most equitable and fair result or outcome. This alleviates a lot of conflict or issues that might arise if we do not properly allocate our resources or time, because we have not only taken stock of what we have, but have also designated it to what will be the most beneficial and balanced place. Being able to find equality in our day to day interactions and work allows for room for a lot of other beneficial aspects, as well, including faith, charity, and kindness.

When we are well balanced and have properly allocated all of our resources and efforts, we are also much more stable and confident in our day to day lives. This inner stability and place of balance is very useful for a large number of reasons, but I think it is most important in regards to our ability to find center, and feel confident to take action from that place of center. Temperance asks us to do what we need to feel secure and steady in our place, here and now. This not only means being able to pick up new challenges, tasks, and energies, but also knowing when it is time to put something down, or to lay new foundations for bigger and better things to grow.

Being able to count our work and put in energy as an investment, and not just expended effort, is a true sign of having found sustainability in temperance. What we put in is giving out an equal amount of energy, and so we are not longer left grasping or reaching for things at the last moment. We are also not overburdened by a large amount of unused assets, leaving us with lots of space and ability to make the most of the opportunities and moments that arise in the present. Temperance, when done appropriately, is like a well irrigated garden. While there is still work that is necessary to make sure everything is growing well, much of the work takes care of itself when we plan ahead, and take appropriate steps as needed.

On the downside, the balance true temperance asks of us is difficult to maintain. When we lose our point of center or balance, it can be incredibly upsetting to us, even if the cause of the imbalance is seemingly good at first. It can also be frustrating to experience the consistently changing nature of the universe while seeking temperance. It can often seem as if, no sooner than balance and harmony are struck, life sweeps us off to the next struggle or challenge to overcome. The constant quest for temperance can be a bit overwhelming at times for sure!

It can also become easy to judge others based on our own center point. What is tempered for us is likely not as balanced for others. It is important to continually seek our own center, but also to not look out at others from that center, expecting them to meet us there. A major challenge of temperance is allowing ourselves to exist in perfect center within ourselves, not allowing where others are or are not to dissuade us from that center point. Attempting to bully or manipulate others into our perspectives is not an act of temperance, but it can often become a consequence of the seeking, if we are not careful in managing our egos.

Lastly, temperance can create a state of stagnation. If we do manage to maintain balance, despite the universes efforts to disrupt it, it can become boring or overwhelmingly the same. We are not challenged or met by the ideas or energies of others or that which do not align with our own. While this can feel very peaceful at first, it quickly becomes a state in which we are not growing or moving in any direction at all. Like water left undisturbed, energy can become stagnant and self destructive or toxic in this instance. Temperance should always be used as a tool for self growth as we move towards energies unlike our own, attempting to meet in the middle. Seeking constant temperance as a way of being is probably not the best bet! Life thrives on conflict, after all.

How do you seek and find temperance in your day to day life? What would you consider the greatest challenge in seeking temperance? I'd love to hear your comments and ideas below!