What’s Stoicism About?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Keep a stiff upper lip”? That’s a bit like Stoicism, but there’s a lot more to it. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy from Greece that helps people live happy, peaceful lives by focusing on what’s truly important and what’s in their control. Let’s dive into what Stoicism is all about and how it can help you.
Why Stoicism Makes You Happier
No one wants to be unhappy. For thousands of years, smart people have tried to figure out the best ways to avoid sadness and live a good life. Stoicism is one of the best ways to do this because it teaches you to focus on what you can control.
Focus on What You Can Control
Many things that make us unhappy are out of our control, like other people’s opinions, bad weather, or getting sick. Stoicism teaches that instead of stressing about these things, we should focus on what we can control, like our actions and reactions. This way, we can live a more peaceful and happy life.
The Three Key Areas of Stoicism
Stoicism is built around three main ideas: ethics, physics, and logic. Here’s what they mean:
- Ethics: Finding the best way to live.
- Physics: Understanding how the world and people work.
- Logic: Using reason and thinking clearly to solve problems.
By focusing on these areas, Stoics believe you can live in harmony with nature and make better decisions.
How to Practice Stoicism
The book “A Handbook for New Stoics” offers 52 exercises to help you practice Stoicism. Here are some of the basics:
The Three Disciplines
Stoicism is practiced through three disciplines:
- Discipline of Desire: Understanding and controlling your desires.
- Discipline of Action: Taking the right actions in life.
- Discipline of Assent: Making good judgments and decisions.
These disciplines help you improve your character and become the best version of yourself.
Start with What You Can Control
One exercise is to list what you can and can’t control. For example, you can’t control the weather, but you can control how you react to it. This helps you focus on what’s important and avoid stress over things you can’t change.
Focus on Your Character
Another exercise is to focus on your character. Your character is made up of your actions and decisions, which you can control. If you focus on being a good person and making good choices, you’ll worry less about things you can’t control.
Embrace Impermanence
Nothing lasts forever. This idea, called impermanence, is important in Stoicism. Knowing that things can change helps you appreciate what you have and stay calm when things go wrong. For example, if your phone breaks, instead of getting angry, remember it wasn’t going to last forever and be thankful for the time it worked.
Prepare for Challenges
Stoics believe in being ready for tough times. Think about what might go wrong and prepare for it. If you know you’ll face difficult people or situations, you won’t be surprised when it happens, and you’ll handle it better.
Journaling for Reflection
Writing down your thoughts at the end of the day can help you practice Stoicism. Reflect on what went well and what didn’t, and think about how you can improve. This helps you learn from your experiences and stay focused on your goals.
Making Good Judgments
When you catch yourself making snap judgments about people or situations, stop and think. Ask yourself if your initial thought is true or if you need more information. This helps you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Keep Stoicism with You
Stoicism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning and improving over time. Remind yourself of Stoic principles every day and try to live by them. Meditation and mindfulness can also help you stay focused on the present moment and make better choices.
Actionable Advice
Let Go of “Good” and “Bad”
Stoics believe that only virtue (good character) and vice (bad character) are truly good or bad. Instead of saying, “This day was bad,” focus on how you acted and what you can control. This mindset helps you avoid unnecessary stress and focus on being a better person.
By following these principles and practicing Stoicism, you can live a happier, more peaceful life.
