Inspired by Sophrosyne

So I have decided to get a tattoo. Something meaningful, spiritual and personal. Something that I can look at in times when I need strength, and others when I am proud of those obstacles I have overcome. Prior to the move, I had never really considered it. But hey, a lot of things have changed over the past few months and I guess this is just one of them.

I was researching and looking for ideas for something that equated to balance. And then I came across this beautiful Greek word, Sophrosyne (σωφροσύνη). Pronounced suh-FROSS-uh-nee, the word has no direct counterpart in English. The first defintion I first came across was “A healthy state of mind, characterised by self-control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one’s true self, and resulting in true happiness”. Wow! I immediately connected with this word and was intrigued to know more.

SOPHROSYNE was the anicent Greek goddess of moderation, self-control, temperance, restraint, and discretion. She was one of the good spirits who escaped Pandora's box when the woman first lifted the lid and fled back to Olympos, abandoning mankind.

The word itself now encompasses a way of living. It is perhaps best expressed by the two most famous sayings of the oracle at Delphi: ‘Nothing in excess’ and ‘Know thyself.’ The term suggests a life-long happiness obtained when one’s philosophical needs are satisfied, resembling the idea of enlightenment through harmonious living.

One article described it as self-knowledge, self-restraint and harmony. Or knowing what’s enough for you, choosing enough over excess and finding joy in enough. Wow. This is exactly what I am searching for.

So last week I got Sophrosyne tattooed on my left forearm. Friends and family were shocked- never thinking I would do it. But this is so much more than tattoo. It is a little reminder for the life I strive to live, avoiding excess and achieving balance. In this busy world we live in today, I encourage others to seek a little sophrosyne themselves, realising there is so much more to life than materialistic living, apperances, reputations & statuses. A life of Sophrosyne sure does sound good to me.