Stoic Wisdom: Still in Fashion
The Perfect Christmas… and other Fairy Stories.
As we teeter on the cliff edge of the year that was,
some of us will be ready to dive headlong with excitement,
or plummet, screaming “NOT AGAINNNNN!!!” into a new one.
(jokes)
Before we do, I invite you to turn the clock back a bit further than the last year.
2000 years, in fact.
This time, to consider the timeless teachings of Stoicism.
I won’t lie – I’m slightly obsessed.
Quick History Lesson
We think of it as a modern times idea –
but you cannot overstate how MASSIVE Stoic self-development was in the ancient Greek/Roman world.
This philosophical school started in Athens with ‘Zeno of Citium’ in the early 3rd century BC.
Then followed the big-name Stoics:
Marcus Aurelius
(The Philosopher King)
His ‘meditations’ (or essays) on morality and wisdom are still widely quoted now;
“Some things are in our control and others not.” – Epictetus
(a former slave who became a philosopher).
His area of interest was the power of personal choice and responsibility
In the other, list things not directly in your control.
Focus your efforts on the first column.
and Seneca,
(a politician and playwright),
whose speciality was practical advice on dealing with anger and difficult times.
Epictetus,
(a former slave who became a philosopher).
His area of interest was the power of personal choice and responsibility,
“Personal responsibility, choice, morality, wisdom, anger, and struggle”
It seems as though the issues people wrestle with, stay pretty consistent through the ages.
These impressively relevant philosophers left a legacy that continues to inspire each new generation,
with Stoic books, courses, and films still made to help people lead more fulfilling lives.
even 2000 years on.
Stoic Wisdom for Year-End
Stoic principles to ponder as you transition into the new year, with practical ways to integrate them into your life:
1. Embrace What You Can Control
“Some things are in our control and others not.” – Epictetus
Your Overwhelm challenge to help sort one from the other)
2. Find Calm in the Chaos
“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.” – Marcus Aurelius
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas and year-end activities, practice Stoic mindfulness.
This could be as simple as taking a few moments of solitude to breathe deeply and center your thoughts amidst the festivities.
A kind of Mindfulness, a buzzword now, was a central idea with those early thinkers.
They called it: prosochê or ‘attention’.
It was a little stronger than the gentle ‘bringing the mind to heel’ that we practice in modern Mindfulness –
but an absolute necessity if you were to make the right decisions for the year head..
I am definitely all for that less wafty – more purposeful approach!
Action:
Dedicate 10 minutes daily to silence or meditation, even during hectic days, to find inner calm and the clarity to make great decisions.
3. Cherish the ‘Now’.
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca
Inspired by Seneca’s wisdom, challenge yourself to be more present.
During New Year’s celebrations, consciously immerse yourself in the joy of the moment, putting aside worries about the future or regrets of the past.
Just enjoying the moment you find yourself in – in all its techicolour beauty.
(Or pain in the arsed-ness).
Action:
Practice ‘mindfulness eating’.
During a meal, focus solely on the flavours, textures, and experience of eating, without distractions.
(or find the Mindful Eating Audio/Video in University of Food and in Mindfulness for Humans for much more on this)
4. Practice Gratitude
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive.” – Marcus Aurelius
Taking a cue from Marcus Aurelius, start each day by acknowledging something you’re grateful for.
This practice can shift your perspective and help you appreciate the full spectrum of experiences from the past year.
Even if it’s been a challenging one.
Actually – ESPECIALLY if it’s been a challenging one.
Action:
Start a gratitude journal. Each morning, write down three things you are grateful for, focusing on different aspects of your life.
Then start your day in a much better place.
5. Reflect on Virtue
(behaviour showing high moral standards)
“Virtue is sufficient for happiness.” – Seneca
“Virtue is sufficient for happiness.” – Seneca
Identify instances from the past year where you exhibited virtues like courage or justice, and consider ways to further develop these traits in the coming year.
This can guide your personal growth and how you deal with other people.
Action:
Choose one virtue each week (like courage or kindness).
Note daily instances when you could practice this virtue – and go for it.
(or revisit our Living Your Values series)
6. Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
“First say to yourself what you would be,
and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus
The Stoics would encourage you to frame your goals for the new year around personal growth and ethical living.
To ask yourself how you can live more in harmony with your own (hopefully Stoic) principles,
setting your goals and intentions accordingly.
Action:
How can you be the kind of person you want to be?
Write a personal mission statement for the new year,
focusing on who you want to be and how you want to live.
Let that be guided by the Stoic values of wisdom, courage, temperance (self-restraint), and justice.
(or revisit ‘Your Life Purpose Statement’ in the FB group)
7. Flip Adversity
“The obstacle on the path – becomes the path.” – Marcus Aurelius
Reflect on challenges you’ve faced and recognise what you learned from them.
Embrace future obstacles as opportunities to further your personal development.
Action
Think about a recent challenge and write down the lessons it taught you or strengths you discovered in yourself.
8. Cultivate Inner Strength
“You have power over your mind – not outside events.
Realise this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
Just as you physically prepare for year-end events,
fortify your mind for the year ahead.
Do things that you know make you feel mentally stronger, like journalling, meditation, or reading inspirational lessons.
Action:
Engage in a regular practice of Stoic journaling.
Each evening, write about your day’s experiences, focusing on your reactions and growth.
May the wisdom of the Stoics guide you towards a year of growth, resilience, and fulfillment.
You’re probably already finding that the ideas, lessons and themes that have lasted through the ages, have a lot in common.
I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
Choose the parts that work for you, ignore the parts that don’t.
Build your OWN philosophy – your own personal instruction manual – to guide you through the year ahead.
Happy New Year – in advance.
We are SO nearly there…