ASCETIC
Syllabification: as·cet·ic || Pronunciation: /a’sedik
As an ADJECTIVE: a severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence. It is used typically on religious issues.
– Example: The girl that won the National History contest is very ascetic. She won´t accept an invitation to any party during the semester.
– Example: I accept all kinds of religions, but my neighbor is very passionate and ascetic. It bothers me that he doesn´t respect that I don´t believe in what he does.
As a NOUN: ascetic
– Example: The ascetics of my community never want to play with us.
As an ADVERB: ascetically
-Example: He works ascetically from Monday thru Saturday, 12 hours a day.
Now, we have the definition and the usings, but… Are we sometimes ascetic when it comes to perform any particular task? Is is worth working ascetically?
I think it is valid to hide ourselves on days we really need to finish whatever project we are working on. It feels right to dedicate a certain amount of time working ascetically in order to succeed. How many times have we said: “Can´t go out this weekend, need to pass this test.” But, is that really ascetic? I think if the word is used in religious matters, that means it’s supposed to be very strict.
I’d like to practice this concept more often. I wanted to use this word as the first one on the blog, because I want to remember that I need to work ascetically, I’m going to do it no matter what.
I exhort you, bloggers, to work in that way provided that you don’t miss what really is important in life: having fun! (But, would that mean we are not longer working ascetically?)
I’m hoping to hear from you so we can exchange reflections about this word.
Best,
KV
Linguistically Speaking... 