4 Ways Stoicism Can Help You Live a Better Life
Originally published here
Knowing what is in your control and what is not
Stoicism is a philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BC. Stoicism aims to teach people how to live a good life by accepting what they can and cannot control, living in the present moment, and using reason and logic to deal with difficult situations. Stoicism has been practiced by many famous historical figures, including Marcus Aurelius, Cicero, Epictetus, and Seneca.
Despite its long history, Stoicism is still relevant today and can be used to help us live better lives. In this article, we will discuss four ways that Stoicism can help you live a better life.
1. What is Stoicism? How can it help you live a better life?
Stoicism is a philosophy of life based on the belief that we should accept what we cannot control, live in the present moment, and use reason and logic to deal with difficult situations.
Stoicism teaches us to be dispassionate about things beyond our control and to focus on things we can control. This doesn’t mean Stoics are emotionless robots. Rather, it means that Stoics know how to separate their emotions from the situation so they can respond logically instead of emotionally.
For example, let’s say you’ve just lost your job. A Stoic would not get angry or upset because they know these emotions will not help them find a new job. Instead, they would focus on things they can control, such as their resume and interview skills.
Stoicism can help us live better lives by teaching us to focus on what is within our control, to accept what is out of our control, and to use reason and logic when dealing with difficult situations.
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2. The Stoic philosophy can help you deal with difficult emotions
One of the most important aspects of Stoicism is learning how to deal with difficult emotions. Stoics believe that we should not allow our emotions to control us. Instead, we should use reason and logic to deal with them.
The first step in the Stoic approach is to understand that our emotions are not under our control. Just because we feel something doesn’t mean it’s true or real. Our emotions can be irrational and illogical. For example, you might feel like you’re not good enough after a breakup, even though you know logically that this isn’t true.
The second step is recognizing that our emotions are temporary states that will pass. They are not permanent conditions or who we are as people. This doesn’t mean that our emotions aren’t valid or important, but it does mean that we shouldn’t give in to them completely or allow them to control us.
The third step is using reason and logic to deal with our emotions instead of letting them control us. This means taking a step back from our emotional reactions and thinking about what is true in the situation. For example, in the case of a breakup, a Stoic would remind themselves that breakups are painful, but they don’t last forever; eventually, they will find happiness again.
The fourth and final step is taking action based on what we know to be true rather than what we feel in the moment. This means making decisions based on logic and reasoning rather than emotion. For example, a Stoic might decide to reach out to friends after a breakup instead of isolating themselves; they know logically that this will make them feel better in the long run, even though it might be painful in the short term.
3. Stoicism can help you deal with difficult situations
Again, the Stoic philosophy is founded on the principle of accepting what is out of our control and focusing on what is within our control. This means that a Stoic would not get angry or upset when faced with a difficult situation because they know these emotions will not help them solve the problem. Instead, they would focus on things they can control, such as their actions and attitude.
There are many benefits to adopting a Stoic approach to dealing with difficult situations at work. For one, it can help you maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Additionally, it can help you stay focused on your goals and take actionable steps to achieve them. Finally, it can help you build resilience in the face of setbacks and challenges.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate difficult situations from your work life, adopting a Stoic approach can help you deal with them more effectively. And who knows? You might find that you enjoy your job a little bit more as well!
4. Stoicism can help you live in the present moment
One of the most important aspects of Stoicism is learning to live in the present moment. Stoics believe that we should not dwell on past mistakes or future worries. Instead, we should focus on the here and now.
Do you ever let your mind wander during a conversation or at a meeting? Being present means being fully focused on the person or task at hand. Stoics use this technique to stay present in the moment and avoid letting their minds wander. Remember to be present and give your fullest attention to the task or the person right before you.
Tips for Staying Present
So how do we actually stay present? It takes practice, but there are some helpful tips that can get us started:
1) Keep reminding yourself to be present. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to forget when our minds start wandering. Set a reminder on your phone or keep a note card in your pocket as a reminder to focus on the task at hand.
2) Pay attention to your breath. Taking a few deep breaths is a great way to center yourself and focus on the present moment.
3) Avoid distractions. Turn off your phone or put it away, so you’re not tempted to check it every five minutes. If you’re working on a task, close your email window, so you’re not constantly getting sidetracked by new messages.
4) Be aware of your body language. Nonverbal cues like eye contact and posture can significantly affect how engaged you appear — and how engaged you are.
5) Practice mindfulness meditation. The goal of mindfulness meditation is to focus on your breath and be aware of your thoughts without judgment as they come and go. Regular practice can help train your brain to be more focused and present in the moment.
How to get started with Stoicism and begin living a better life today
The Stoics believed that philosophy is not about reading about philosophy. It’s about practicing, writing, and talking about it. What has attracted me the most about this is that it challenges you to practice it daily. But where should we start? I recommend reading Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, translated by Gregory Hays. In it, Aurelius gives us a Stoic approach to life that is still relevant today.
Stoicism is a philosophy that can help us live better lives. It teaches us how to deal with difficult emotions, difficult situations, and the present moment. We also learn to find meaning in life and focus on things that have true value.
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