Picture this: you’re in a picturesque beach landscape by the sea. The waves crashing against the sand and the blue skies above you. No troubles, only positive thoughts and nothing matters but what is in that moment.
Doesn’t that sound amazing? Okay, I hate to break it to you but I’m going to have to cut you out of that moment for now.
The good news though, is that it won’t be long before you’ll find yourself in that moment again. Today, I want to share with you a philosophy that has transformed my life and helped me discover a newfound sense of happiness—stoicism. Now, before you start thinking that stoicism is all about repressing emotions and living like a stone statue, let me assure you that it’s far from it. Stoicism is a philosophy that has taught me how to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and inner peace. I’ll be sharing my ten favourite practices that have helped me embrace stoicism. So, grab a cup of tea, get cosy, and let’s dive in!
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that originated in ancient Greece. It branches out into many overlapping principles but essentially it provides a framework to live your life to the best it can be. Stoicism helps people understand their priorities in life and lays out realistic ways to get more of life, cultivate resilience, and find inner peace amidst the challenges and uncertainties of the world. Sounds good right?
The Fundamentals of Stoicism
I always like to remind myself of stoicism as starting with the right mindset; it plays a huge role on our decisions, our actions and who we are as people!
After reading about stoicism and applying it to my daily life, I’ve found that the philosophy can be narrowed down to two main principles:
The Principle of Nature: Stoicism emphasizes living in accordance with nature and the natural order of the universe. This principle teaches individuals to recognize that certain events and circumstances are inevitable and beyond their control.
The Principle of Virtue: Stoicism places a strong emphasis on virtue as the highest good. Virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline are considered essential for leading a good and fulfilling life.
My Ten Favourite Stoic Practices
Acceptance of the Present: Stoicism taught me to embrace the present moment, accepting it exactly as it is without resistance. By releasing the need to control everything, and just appreciating things the way they are, we’re less likely to regret not having given as much attention to those things as we’d liked to.
Focus on What’s Within Your Control: The stoics emphasise that we should direct our energy towards things within our control—our thoughts, actions, and attitudes—rather than worrying about external circumstances. This shift in perspective helped me let go of unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters. So next time you’re faced with a problem, ask yourself, what can I control? This will encourage you to act on solving those problems rather than lamenting over them.
Practice Negative Visualization: This might sound counterintuitive, but visualizing worst-case scenarios actually prepares us mentally and emotionally for challenges. By facing potential hardships in advance, we learn to appreciate what we have and find gratitude in the present moment. Even better, we find a sense of satisfaction if things turn out better than we had planned. This doesn’t mean adopting a negative mindset and anticipating the worst possible outcomes, but preparing for the worst. As a result, you’re less likely to experience that deep disappointment when things don’t turn out your way and may even have an immediate solution.
Live in Accordance with Virtue: Stoics believe in living a life aligned with virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline. By incorporating these principles into my daily life, I’ve found a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Another practice is to be fully present in each moment, observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This practice of mindfulness has helped me develop self-awareness and better understand my own reactions and behaviours. Personally, journaling has really helped me gather all my thoughts together on one page. I’m able to process them better when I write them down and can see them in front of me. To get the most out of journaling, I recommend the Daily Stoic Journal that I’ve been using this year.
Practice Self-Denial: Stoicism teaches us to detach ourselves from material possessions and external desires. By controlling our feelings and overcoming our weaknesses, we can appreciate that true happiness doesn’t depend on external circumstances, but comes from within.
Find Joy in Simplicity: The stoics remind us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life—a warm cup of tea, a walk in nature, or spending quality time with loved ones. By shifting my focus to these small moments of joy, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of happiness.
Embrace Impermanence: Acknowledge the transient nature of everything in life. By accepting that nothing is permanent, I’ve learned to let go of attachments and find peace amidst the ever changing nature of my surroundings. This also encompasses the idea that pain is never permanent. Whenever I’m in an unfavourable situation, I tell myself that “this too shall last”. That way, my self-discipline can just lead me to getting the task done.
Practice Gratitude: Expressing gratitude for the things we often take for granted is a powerful stoic practice. By acknowledging the blessings in my life, big and small, I’ve cultivated a positive mindset and a greater appreciation for the present moment. There’s always so much more to be grateful for!
Remember Your Mortality: This might sound morbid, but reflecting on our mortality can be a potent reminder of the limited time we have on this earth. It urges us to live authentically, pursue our passions, and make the most of every precious moment.
Final Words
So there you have it—all the golden nuggets of stoic philosophy in one post. Remember, adopting these practices is not a one-time fix, but rather an ongoing journey. It takes time, patience, and a commitment to personal growth. But trust me when I say that the rewards are worth it.
I encourage you to incorporate these stoic practices into your own life and see the positive impact they can have. If you want to share any other stoic habits that have been life-changing for you, comment down below!
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel