Are we consuming much more than we actually need — even allowing for the fact that we may not be leading a renunciate lifestyle? For each of us, this part of the teaching raises the question, "What is moderate, and what is excess?" We can use this question either as a bludgeon of self-judgment or as a thoughtful inquiry into our lives and the choices we make. Waking up need not be a somber affair when we bring the delight of investigation to what we're doing. We can fashion our lives the way an artist creates a great work of art. Our lives are the medium through which to express our creative wisdom.
— Joseph Goldstein, One Dharma