Embracing Stoicism: Your Key to Mastering Life’s Turbulence
Do you ever feel like life is slipping through your fingers, spiraling out of control? Fear not, for the wisdom of Stoicism is here to guide us through life’s unpredictable journey. Stoicism, an ancient philosophical practice, equips us with the tools to maintain our composure, build unshakable character, and navigate life’s challenges with grace. Though it hails from the 3rd century BC, Stoicism’s timeless wisdom still resonates today, offering us a path to a more fulfilling existence.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that learning practices from Stoic philosophy helps me deal wayyy better with anxiety and depression. The teachings of brilliant Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus transformed my mindset and equipped me with the tools to thrive in life. Consider this your initiation the wisdom of Stoicism!
The Serenity Prayer and Stoicism
Have you ever encountered the Serenity Prayer? It’s a gem of wisdom that has found its way into various aspects of our lives, originally penned by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in the 1930s and popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Stoicism shares a similar concept: control. As Epictetus so eloquently puts it:
“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…”
Incorporating Stoic principles into your daily life begins with distinguishing between what you can control and what you cannot, which is an excellent strategy for reducing anxiety.
Thoughts and Behaviors, The Only Things We Control
The Serenity Prayer emphasizes “wisdom to know the difference,” a skill we must nurture throughout life. It’s simple to understand that we shouldn’t fret over things beyond our control, but discerning whether we can influence them is more complex.
Here’s the stark reality: we only have control over our own thoughts and behaviors. Everything else – the person who cuts us off in traffic, the colleague trying to take credit for our work, a broken dishwasher, or an unhappy client – is beyond our control.
Embrace Acceptance
When life serves up a dish of imperfection, we can benefit by swiftly embracing acceptance. Life is riddled with minor inconveniences, some more significant than others. But here’s the trick: you can quickly move on. For people like me, who tend to ruminate over past negative events, practice makes perfect. Whenever faced with an unfortunate situation, remind yourself, “What’s done is done.” Choose your own mantra, but practice swift acceptance to curb the tide of negative emotions.
Reduce Anxiety
As you master the art of acceptance, a remarkable transformation occurs. Anxiety dissipates, and even if it lingers, it loses its grip. Why? Because you shift your focus from uncontrollable external factors to what you can control – your thoughts and behaviors. It’s a beautiful practice that, once honed, becomes second nature.
Consider this scenario: your dog leaves a surprise on the carpet. In the past, you might have felt anger or frustration. But as you exercise your “control muscle,” you perceive the event as a minor inconvenience, one that can’t be reversed. You don’t linger in judgment. You promptly grab the carpet cleaner and take action. This shift in perspective frees you from the whirlwind of negative emotions and lingering despair.
Getting Comfortable with Two Truths
Now, what about those murky areas of life where control isn’t black and white? Let’s say you dislike your boss – can you change that? Maybe, maybe not. It’s possible to influence change, but you don’t hold all the cards. You could switch jobs, but you might encounter a worse boss elsewhere. These are the gray areas where you must hold two truths simultaneously: acknowledge your limited control over the outcome while working diligently toward change wherever you can.
In these situations, be content with taking the best possible action, without tying your efforts to the outcome. Accept that you can only do your part and that the rest is beyond your control.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the concept and application of control is a potent tool for reducing anxiety and enhancing overall well-being. Embrace what you cannot change and focus your energies on what you can control. Be at ease with holding two truths in your mind, working toward what’s within your influence, and accepting the unknown. By practicing these Stoic principles, you’ll lead a more content and fulfilling life. Stay fierce and Stoic, my friends!
