Some “Stoic” philosophy for you today.
The Stoic school of thought got its start around the 3rd century BC in Greece with Zeno, but it’s really when it hit Rome that it gained prominence.
Every time I encounter stoic philosophy it feels very similar to Buddhism or Taoism to me.
Stoicism is a school of philosophy that emphasizes rationality, practical wisdom, self-control, and virtue. The Stoics believed that by living in accordance with nature and reason, individuals could find happiness and lead fulfilling lives.
Stoicism teaches that one should focus on what is within their control and accept what is outside of their control. This means that one should not become overly attached to external goods or circumstances, as they are often beyond our control, but instead focus on developing inner strength and character.
The Stoics also believed in the importance of ethical behavior and the pursuit of moral excellence. They held that living a virtuous life, which involved acting with courage, wisdom, justice, and self-control, was the key to happiness and a meaningful existence.
My 3 favourite dudes in the Stoic world are Seneca, Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus.
“To bear misfortunes with a tranquil mind, robs hardship of its strength and weight.” – Seneca
“The universe is change, our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurelius
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus
Or to recap them all in one thought: Things are going to keep happening because the universe is in a constant state of change, and what makes you happy is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.
How in the world do we get better at this? How do we become more OK with the fact that things are going to keep happening outside of our control and that the only road to our sanity is to be completely unattached to the outcome and simply choose how we want to respond to this?
We have to give ourselves a bit more practice in sitting and watching things happen, while being OK with what is happening. I know this might sound really simplistic, but it’s something most modern humans are unable to do.
Today’s meditation journey is an exercise in just being the witness. Allow whatever is busy happening to be felt, and be totally OK with it. This doesn’t mean that we refrain from taking action but it does mean that we change the reason “why” we take action:
If I’m not OK with what’s happening, then by default I am in a fear response and my action is likely to be re-active – not by choice, not a decision made in free will but by my own survival patterns. Even while I think I’m in control, it’s really years of programming that compels me into a knee-jerk reaction.
If I am OK with what’s happening, then I am more likely to be dominant in my parasympathetic nervous system. Calm, open, with access to all of my creative problem solving faculties. While I take a deep breath it’s not an old pattern choosing my reaction, I am exercising free will in choosing what my response will be.
Being OK with whatever is happening, is not a case of never taking action, but of never taking action in fear. “I will not flail around in the storm in desperation. I will breathe, I will slow down, I will wait and I will see. And as soon as I have more clarity I will swim with strong and clear strokes.”
Mantras for a Stoic Life:
- I will not let external circumstances dictate my happiness.
- I will focus on what I can control – my thoughts, actions, and reactions.
- I will cultivate gratitude for the good things in my life.
- I will respond to life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
- I will find peace within myself, even in the midst of the storm.
Remember, it’s not about becoming passive or indifferent. It’s about taking empowered action from a place of inner strength and clarity. It’s about breathing deeply in the midst of a storm and choosing your response thoughtfully.
Wishing you a great weekend!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Come to your senses.