Stoicism 101
The Philosophy of Stoicism is making a major comeback.
In the crazy, hectic times we live in, many people are turning to Stoicism to bring more peace and a greater sense of control into their lives. Even though it is 2,000+ years old, Stoic philosophy provides advice that is extremely practical for our modern times.
Practicing Stoicism WILL make you a stronger and more tranquil person.
I discovered Stoicism about 5 years ago. It has brought more strength, objectivity, and acceptance into my life. Qualities that help me be a better father, husband, friend, employee…and all-around human being.
But, if you are new to Stoicism, how do you get started? There is so much Stoicism content out there. There are books about Stoicism. There are the actual writings of the Stoic philosophers. It can be intimidating and confusing to get started with Stoicism.
Let me help.
5 Basic Stoic Practices to Get You Started with Stoicism
Dichotomy of Control — The core of Stoicism. What can I control? What can I not Control? Learning to distinguish between the two, and “letting go” of what we cannot control, will help us live more peaceful lives.
Of things some are in our power, and others are not. ~ Epictetus
Help Others — Stoicism teaches us that we have an obligation to help our fellow humans. It is not a choice, it is our duty. Having a mindset of helping others brings more purpose into your life.
Humans were made to help others. And when we do help others — or help them do something — we’re doing what we were designed for. We perform our function. ~ Marcus Aurelius
Embrace the Past and Present — The Stoics taught us that we should embrace our fate. What is our fate? Everything that has happened in the past right up to this very moment. The past is over, nothing to be done but learn and move on. We gain tranquility by not regretting or feeling guilty about things that have happened.
Accept everything that happens exactly as if it were an order from above. ~ Seneca
Want Less — Stoicism teaches us we can have more happiness in our lives by appreciating what we already have. The desire for more, more, more brings suffering into our lives and stops us from appreciating what we already have.
It is not the man who has too little who is poor, but the one who hankers after more. ~ Seneca
Accept Death — The Stoics wrote about death…A LOT. But there is a powerful message there. If we embrace the fact that we will die (with no idea when), it removes the anxiety of death and helps us appreciate our lives more.
“What is death? A scary mask.Take it off-see, it doesn’t bite. Eventually, body and soul will have to separate, just as they existed separately before we were born.” ~ Epictetus
Modern life is hard.
Practicing Stoicism can help smooth out the edges and make you more objective, unselfish, and accepting.
