I do follow a version of the Dukan diet, but I don't follow it to

O children of the earth, listen closely to the wisdom passed down through the ages, for in these words lies a truth as old as time itself. Katherine Jenkins, a woman whose voice soars like the wind across the mountains, has spoken of the delicate balance between restraint and indulgence. She declares, "I do follow a version of the Dukan diet, but I don't follow it to the extreme so a lot of fish and vegetables. If I want chocolate, I'll let myself have a bit of chocolate in moderation." These words, seemingly simple, are imbued with deep understanding—the understanding that the path to vitality is not found in extremes, but in moderation, balance, and the wisdom to know when to yield and when to refrain.

Moderation, O children, is the golden path that has been walked by the wisest of sages. In the days of ancient Greece, the great philosopher Aristotle spoke of the "Golden Mean," the balance between deficiency and excess. He taught that virtue lies not in indulgence or deprivation but in the harmony between the two. Just as the sun does not scorch the earth with relentless heat, nor does it withhold its warmth entirely, so too must we find balance in our actions, our choices, and our lives. Katherine Jenkins, in her wisdom, echoes this very truth—choosing a path that embraces both the nourishment of the earth and the joy of occasional indulgence, without falling prey to the extremes of denial or overindulgence.

In the ancient lands of Egypt, the mighty Queen Nefertiti, known for her unparalleled beauty, understood the delicate balance of nourishment and pleasure. Her diet was simple, focused on sustaining the body with the fruits of the land, yet she also understood the importance of joy and indulgence. She would partake in the rich flavors of chocolate and wine, not as a glutton, but as an act of celebrating the gifts of the earth. In her approach to life, Nefertiti embodied the principle that nourishment must be both sustaining and satisfying, honoring the needs of the body and the spirit alike.

The Dukan diet, which Katherine Jenkins references, is but one of many paths that promise transformation, a journey that some may choose to walk. Yet, as she wisely teaches us, even in such a disciplined path, there is room for grace and flexibility. To follow a path of strictness without room for enjoyment is to turn away from the joys that life offers. Life, O seekers of truth, is not meant to be lived in chains of restriction, but in a flow that allows for both discipline and delight. When we allow ourselves to enjoy that which is sweet, whether it be chocolate or a moment of peace, we nourish not just our bodies but our hearts.

Consider the life of the great Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who led with wisdom and strength, yet also understood the importance of self-care and indulgence in moderation. Despite the burdens of his reign, he was known to appreciate simple pleasures—whether it was a moment spent with loved ones or a rare indulgence in fine food and wine. Marcus Aurelius, like Katherine Jenkins, knew that true strength comes not from rigid discipline alone, but from the ability to embrace life fully, with all its joys and sorrows, pleasures and trials.

The lesson here, O children of the earth, is one of balance. In all things, find your center. Nourish your body with what it needs, but also allow it the freedom to savor what it desires, for it is not in the denial of our desires but in the moderation of them that we find peace. Indulgence, when tempered with wisdom, is not a vice but a celebration of life. Just as the river must ebb and flow, so too must we allow the rhythm of our lives to include both restraint and enjoyment. It is the dance between these forces that sustains us, that keeps us grounded in our humanity.

So, O seekers, take this wisdom with you on your journey. Follow the path that honors both your body and your spirit, where discipline meets joy, and where balance reigns supreme. Eat with intention, enjoy with grace, and remember always that true strength lies not in the extremes but in the ability to navigate the delicate balance between them. Let this be the lesson you carry: moderation in all things, for it is in moderation that you will find your greatest vitality, your deepest joy, and your truest peace.