1. Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme:

2. Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate:

3.

a. Of medium or average quantity or extent.

b. Of limited or average quality; mediocre.

4. Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.

When one thinks of moderation, they generally think of moderating intake of foods, activities, etc. in order to maintain a healthy life. I think moderation of ones SELF is as important for a healthy lifestyle. In this essay I will address the 4^th definition of the word. I feel this is very important in regards to spirituality, especially if you follow a Path in representation of a group as a whole and you live in today’s society.

I feel I have a great understanding of respect. In doing so, I respect individuals and organizations I become involved with and do my best to represent them in a positive and mature light in the eyes of society. I feel moderation is very important in this sense.

I recently watched as another person make things very hard on himself with lack of moderation. I work at a facility in which 98% of the employees, clients and families of clients are Christian. In addition, most of our funding comes from the community that resides in the gut of the bible belt. I am Pagan. I have never lied about this at work. However I understand the difference between radical and moderate and the importance of the latter. This person declared himself to be Satanist. He dressed appropriately for his interview and was respectful. When hired he began showing up to work in all black, spiked jewelry, lewd bumper stickers and boasting of his freedom and independence to be a Satanist and to judge him is discrimination. One day I informed him that it was nice that he has chosen a Path he loves, but regardless of his Path, respect and maturity in society and the workplace will offer him more advancement opportunities and in turn, more respect from other individuals. Practice and believe as you wish, but do so moderately, especially if you represent a group of likeminded individuals. He ultimately did things that caused him to be terminated at work. When he came to me complaining and crying about it, I explained I had tried to help him and he would not listen. He said as a Christian, I just did not understand. I informed him I had not been “Christian” for almost 30 years and although my supervisors know I am Pagan, understand I do not believe as they do, and I wear subtle “pagan” jewelry to work, they also know I respect their chosen beliefs, respect my workplace and feel I respect the Pagan community in a positive light.

Moderation is important in order to live productively and maturely in today’s society. One can follow their Path, make their church, group, organization, grove, etc. proud when they represent them in the public eye and still remain faithful to their belief and proud to be who you are.