The medievalists
Oh, those irksome medievalists. They take something pleasurable — let’s say scampering about — and turn it into something medievally torturous — running marathons.
It’s the same (to me) with certain meditation retreats where you are expected to spend time in rigid poses. Here you take something pleasurable and natural — sitting in stillness — and turn it into a forum for excruciating self-negation.
The idea that you must suffer (and endure it) to achieve (take your pick) . . .
salvation
oneness
nirvana
enlightenment
bliss
transcendence
the weekend
. . . is an overripe concept waiting to wither away.
More if you must