Embracing Stoicism: A Journey of Continuous Learning
Greetings, fellow seekers on the Stoic Wisdom Path. As an elder and prokopton of this ancient philosophy, I find myself not only sharing the timeless teachings of Stoicism but also continuously learning and evolving. This journey of applying Stoicism to our daily lives is one of perpetual growth and reflection. Today, I want to share insights on how we can all incorporate Stoic principles into our lives, recognizing that every step we take is both a lesson and a milestone.
The Essence of Stoicism
At its core, Stoicism teaches us to cultivate an inner life of tranquility and resilience. This philosophy, founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and understanding what is within our control versus what is not. The Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance serve as guiding lights on our path.
Wisdom: The Foundation of Stoic Practice
Wisdom in Stoicism is not merely theoretical knowledge but practical understanding. It involves discerning the nature of things and making decisions aligned with our higher selves. One of the most profound aspects of Stoic wisdom is recognizing the dichotomy of control. Epictetus, a former slave turned Stoic philosopher, taught us that we should focus our efforts on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and reactions—while accepting what we cannot control—external events and other people’s behaviors.
Practical Application:
Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on your actions. Ask yourself: Did I focus on what I can control today? How did I react to things beyond my control?
Journaling: Keep a Stoic journal. Note down situations where you practiced the dichotomy of control and where you struggled. This practice will help you identify patterns and improve your responses over time.
MINUTE DICHOTOMY OF CONTROL MEDITATION:
I borrowed this practice from Tobias Weaver – Author of orionphilosophy.com
Get yourself a piece of paper and a pen and think about a problem you’re having in your life.
Draw a big circle and within in draw a smaller one. In the smaller circle thing about what’s within your control (your thoughts, beliefs and actions). Write them in that circle.
With this list you can begin to see where you can leverage what you have to improve your situation.
In the larger circle write down what’s outside your control (the weather, the economy, other people, other people’s opinions, other people’s actions, politics, traffic etc)
With that list you can more easily see what is causing you suffering, and what you should learn to accept. It’s outside your control, so no about of complaint or suffering will change it.
Courage: Facing Adversity with Fortitude
Courage in Stoicism is about facing life’s challenges head-on with resilience and strength. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, often reminded himself that adversity is part of the human experience and that we are equipped to handle it.
Practical Application:
Voluntary Discomfort: Occasionally engage in activities that take you out of your comfort zone. This could be physical, like taking a cold shower, or emotional, like having a difficult conversation. These practices build resilience.
Mindfulness of Mortality: Reflect on the impermanence of life. This Stoic meditation, known as Memento Mori, helps us appreciate the present and act with courage in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Justice: Living in Harmony with Others
Justice in Stoicism extends beyond legal fairness to encompass moral righteousness and the common good. It is about treating others with respect, empathy, and fairness. As Stoics, we strive to live harmoniously within our communities, recognizing our interconnectedness.
Practical Application:
Acts of Kindness: Perform acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Small gestures can create ripples of positive change in your community.
Empathetic Listening: Practice active and empathetic listening in your interactions. Understand others’ perspectives and respond with compassion.
Temperance: The Balance of Life
Temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation. It encourages us to find balance in our desires and actions, avoiding excesses that can lead to harm. Seneca, another prominent Stoic philosopher, advised moderation in all aspects of life, from emotions to material possessions.
Practical Application:
Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of your consumption habits, whether it is food, media, or material goods. Ask yourself if your choices align with your values and contribute to your well-being.
Emotional Regulation: Practice techniques to regulate your emotions, such as deep breathing, meditation, or pausing before reacting. This helps in maintaining inner tranquility.
The Path of Continuous Learning
As a Stoic elder, I have come to appreciate that learning is a lifelong journey. The teachings of Stoicism are not static; they evolve with us as we encounter new experiences and challenges. Each day presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding and refine our practice.
Learning from Others
One of the most enriching aspects of Stoicism is the community it fosters. Engaging with fellow Stoics, whether through discussions, reading groups, or online forums, allows us to share insights and support each other on our paths.
Practical Application:
Stoic Reading Groups: Join or form a Stoic reading group. Discussing Stoic texts with others can provide new perspectives and enhance your understanding.
Mentorship: Seek guidance from more experienced practitioners and offer support to those newer to the philosophy. This mutual exchange enriches both parties.
Personal Reflection
Continuous learning also involves introspection. Regularly reflecting on our thoughts, actions, and motivations helps us stay aligned with Stoic principles and grow in wisdom. One source that I have found to be very rewarding is the Collage of Stoic Philosophers.
Practical Application:
End-of-Day Review: At the end of each day, review your actions and decisions. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Use this reflection to set intentions for the next day.
Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion. Understand that growth is a gradual process, and be kind to yourself when you fall short of your ideals.
Conclusion
Embracing Stoicism is a transformative journey of continuous learning and application. As we walk this path together, let us remember that each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to living a life of virtue and tranquility. By cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, we not only improve ourselves but also contribute to a more harmonious and resilient world.
May we all continue to learn, grow, and support each other on this Stoic Wisdom Path.
Thank you for reading and for your dedication to the pursuit of Stoic wisdom. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and every moment offers a new opportunity to learn and apply the timeless principles of Stoicism.
The Stoic Elder
Welcome to the Stoic Wisdom Path, a sanctuary for timeless Stoic teachings tailored for the modern mind. At the helm of this voyage is Russell (AKA the Stoic Elder), a seasoned Chief Complaint Officer and a devoted Krav Maga instructor and practitioner. With a life journey as rich and varied as the philosophies he espouses, Russell brings a unique perspective to the ancient wisdom of Stoicism. Decades ago, Russell embarked on a spiritual quest, aspiring to become an ordained pastor. However, he soon discovered that his beliefs diverged from the traditional confines of the church. This pivotal realization led him down a different path, one that eventually guided him to the stoic teachings that would resonate deeply with his core values and outlook on life. Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue, wisdom, and the power of self-mastery, offered Russell the philosophical grounding he sought. He immersed himself in the study of this profound school of thought, completing the Stoicism Essential Studies Course at the College of Stoic Philosophers. His commitment to understanding and living according to Stoic principles is further exemplified by his current endeavor—a year-long exploration of Stoicism in the Marcus Aurelius Program. The Stoic Wisdom Path blog is Russell's platform for sharing the insights and lessons he has gleaned from his extensive study and personal practice of Stoicism. It is designed to make the rich and practical teachings of Stoicism accessible to all, regardless of their background or beliefs. Through this blog, Russell aims to inspire his readers to embrace a Stoic approach to life, equipping them with the tools to navigate its challenges with grace, resilience, and virtue. Join Russell on this journey of philosophical exploration and self-discovery. Whether you are new to Stoicism or looking to deepen your understanding of this ancient wisdom, the Stoic Wisdom Path offers a compass for living a life of purpose, balance, and profound contentment.
