Sophrosyne so·​phros·​y·​ne, n. soundness of mind; self control; moderation.

• PRONUNCIATION: (suh-FROZ-uh-nee, -FROS-)

Our body’s resistibility to life is continuously in motion. Many of us have experienced plunging sequences of mishaps counterbalanced by a magical super ability to cruise through 8 green street lights in a row. Igniting a sudden burst of energy suggesting that to every high there is a low; to every mountain there is a valley. A never ending revolving window shade, attempting to tolerate the chaos of darkness against the appropriate light. Life works in mysterious ways. Can life’s opposite forces which make up our madness in turn fulfill all our euphoric joys - really be tamed? Controlling those opposite forces would require an incredibly diplomatic word. Sophrosyne gracefully arrives on the scene with a strong balanced foundation. A harmonious symmetrical energy breathing temperance within our body and soul and all arriving with such a very soothing sound. The idea melts onto our shoulders like a warm blanket. A balanced life of moderation, deep self-awareness in combination with avid self-control. The ancient Greeks would eventually promote the word Sophrosyne to a philosophy. A life of devoted wonder capable of daily methodical observation combined with graceful sensitivity. As we all gaze up to the stars from our ground level seat, to soak up all that goodness, reality eventually sets in orchestrating a thunderous wake up call.

"The idea of perfection and stable equilibrium is outside the limits of humanity and actually the universe."

Sophrosyne is a word of many words. The problem is all those words stay bottled up and removed from society. It sits in a place of self-restrained motivational bliss while sharing a vast existence with solitude. The notion of nothing in excess fills our hearts and minds as a reasonable healthy notion. While I do not recommend superabundance in areas that are harmful. A methodical unwavering life journey through an obstacle free sunny field of beautiful swaying wheat in my opinion keeps one from pursuing an honest attempt at happiness. To understand sophrosyne is to remove acquaintances with conflict, passion, spontaneity and adventure. Respectively removing the hero, heroine, villain and villainess from one’s life novel. When we disassemble the word to its origin, it minimizes into 3 words: prudent, sound and mind. I’ve never heard anyone describe their last days on this earth using those three words. An epilogue at risk of being dismissed.

"A stress free manuscript will never become the best seller."

Waking up each day motivated to be directly connected to your feelings, your body and your mind are essential and healthy goals. Realizing there are certain triggers that make your body and your mind stumble are important lessons to keep in mind. Aiming to improve your health through exercise, conversation, nutrition and laughter are crucial keys to living a sound body mind - happy life. Nonetheless, there is nothing more joyous than those moments in which we close our eyes and listen quietly as our mind confidently validate to us, “Wow! That was CRAZY, but a life changing moment in my past that I will never regret!!”

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Reflect now on all the fights you've had to endure to make it to this point:

• Furiously faced specific fears or challenges straight on

• Loved too dramatically or too romantically

• Blew up by expressing dissatisfaction in someone else or in yourself

• Wielded powerful authority over a group for a common good

• Overindulged at an event

• Power vacationed and/or participated in thrill overload

• Excessive fixation on a work project way too long

• Lack of restraint involving ice cream nestled next to a warm dark chocolate brownie

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Self-control can restrict important emotional experiences.

The Golden Mean, a philosophy emphasized nearly 2500 years ago by ancient greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle, has continued to take on meaning. Little is known about Aristotle, but the philosophy, The Golden Mean theme which was rooted within mathematics has found a basis to live on since created through greek ideology. For example, in the Aristotelian view, courage is a virtue, but if taken to excess it would equal = recklessness and if taken in deficiency it would equal = cowardice. Walking a desirable line between 2 extremes has an important underlying message in this current day. I do believe to be true. I agree steady emotional mindset practice and deliberation can place people in a position to feel surrounded in a safe and happy place. At the same time, life is a balancing act in which we are the props. The removal of distractions, extreme challenges, stressful cliffhangers and surprises to me seems to be a life that leans more toward equaling = cowardice.

Times and Seasons

For every time there is a season

Purposely changing for good reason

The ravens caw silenced with snow

Spring gusts ignite new raptors to crow

Devastating May torrential rains

Thank you polar vortex for deciding to stay

Mud branding a new black kaleidoscope

Painting night skies of black holes of hope

Beneath the floods of Springtime tears

Weddings mold memories for yesteryears

Unexpected snow to everyones dismay

Planetary chaos vs the bridal bouquet

The black crow is feared by fantasy

Surface fuel soot difficult to breathe

Black feathers absorbing July's slow burn

Cyclones remove towns eyeing no concern

Brittle autumn leaves hibernate under snow

A last minute buffet before the blackbird will go

Never underestimate the power to soar

From unbelievable heights to eye opening lows

Life is a circle not a straight line

It's a ball that will bounce and will eventually collide

For every time there is a season

Purposely changing for good reason Copyrighted © Poem - Sarah Ihrig