<p>The E word.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, the connotations of the word <em>ecstasy</em> are now much darker than they were when I was&nbsp; young.&nbsp; I think of wild young things at raves, flinging themselves about through the night, having illicit sex after taking illicit drugs.&nbsp; When I was studying the history of art and of western civilisation, I thought of Saint Teresa enjoying torture and humiliation for her beliefs.&nbsp; But I also think of cosying up in front of a roaring fire, with a good book, gentle music in the&nbsp; background and a box of milk chocolates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It comes from the Greek word <em>ekstasis</em> - <em>ek</em> meaning out, and the basis of <em>stasis</em> being <em>histanai</em>, equalling to put in place or set up, so we originally saw ecstasy as <em>standing outside ourselves</em>.&nbsp; That certainly works for St Teresa and for youngsters high on a drug, but not so well for the chocolates and comfort.&nbsp; I guess when I think of it in that way, I am guilty of hyperbole.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>