The pursuit of tranquility of the mind is a quest taken up by many, yet achieved by only a fortunate few. How profoundly enchanting it would be if we could count ourselves among those blessed spirits who remain unperturbed by the vagaries of life. Think of individuals like Fred Rogers, the amiable host of children’s television, who perpetually adorned his countenance with serenity and gained renown for bestowing unwavering kindness and forbearance upon all whom he encountered.
However, misapprehension often taints our perception of such souls, assuming their demeanor to be innate, requiring little to no conscious effort. While indeed, this equanimity flows more effortlessly for some, the veracity remains that most have attained this state through the assiduous cultivation of emotional mastery and rationalization, diligently practiced in their daily lives.
Rogers himself arose at the early hour of 5 AM each day, dedicating an hour to solitary contemplation and supplication. This regimen constituted the bedrock of his inner peace and furnished him with a steadfast mental bearing. Yet, this methodology is not singular; it is not the sole route to lay the foundation of tranquility in one’s existence. Rogers certainly was not the vanguard in recognizing the significance of imbibing lessons and customs daily, as a means of nurturing the inner serenity that proves indispensable across all facets of existence.
Almost two millennia ago, Stoic philosophers too were fervently questing for serenity. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman sovereign, punctiliously engaged with his journal before dawn’s arrival. Epictetus, the philosopher who emerged from the yoke of servitude, earnestly exhorted his disciples to eternally bear in mind that “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.”
For these luminaries, the practice of philosophy was not a mere luxury, but an imperative. It served as a beacon to which they repeatedly returned, reminding them of the scope of their agency and nurturing the ability to observe external occurrences with dispassion. And thus, the writings of the Stoics have persevered across time, perpetuating the art of remaining less reactive, more contemplative, and endowed with greater equilibrium.
Keeping these reflections in the forefront, here stand before you eight Stoic precepts, lessons to be imbibed and wielded in the pursuit of heightened tranquility, freedom, and inner harmony. Irrespective of your origin or station in life, they offer a guiding light.
01. Do Not Suffer on UnImagined Trouble
Cease the Torment of Illusory Distress
“In our existence, there exists a multitude of specters that hold the potential to stir trepidation within our hearts, outnumbering those with the true potency to subdue us; more frequently do we find ourselves ensnared in the grip of apprehension born from our own musings than from the actuality of circumstances.” – Seneca
How often do we ensnare ourselves in convoluted webs of unfounded tribulations? How frequently do we permit anxiety and distress to overpower our sensibilities? To what extent is the suffering we endure genuine, and how much of it is derived from the dread of suffering that may or may not transpire?
Seneca’s antidote finds its residence within his missive entitled “On Groundless Fears”:
“Allow me to extend this counsel to you: refrain from embracing despondency in advance of the impending crisis. For it remains plausible that the perils that loom before you, causing you to blanch as if in their immediate grip, might never encroach upon your reality; indeed, they have not done so thus far. Consequently, certain afflictions afflict us in excess of their due, some afflict us prior to their rightful time, and yet others afflict us when they should hold no power over us whatsoever. We have accustomed ourselves to magnifying, fabricating, and prematurely anticipating sorrow.”
Do not permit unease to wrest sovereignty over you. Abide within the present moment. Confront the genuine challenges that beset you, for their multitude, is substantial.
02. Accept Mortality
“The tranquility of a contented existence eludes those who excessively ponder its elongation.” – Seneca
The specter of death looms over each one of us, an ever-present companion that we paradoxically evade confronting. Tune into the news on any given evening, and the tragic tales of lives cut short will undoubtedly grace the headlines. This contemplation breeds such unease that we resort to various means to evade it. We immerse ourselves in virtual realms, chasing after the illusion of perpetual unawareness, all the while oblivious to the relentless march of time, slipping away in meticulous increments.
To combat this affliction, the singular remedy is to embrace our mortality. Through this acceptance, we can forge harmony with the sole certainty in life. The inevitable fate of our demise is an unassailable reality. Ours is a destiny entwined with the finality of death, shared by those dear to us as well. Humanity has been consigned to the embrace of mortality for countless millennia, an eternal truth that will persist long after we’ve left this plane. Yet, this realization should not engender despondency, but rather, quite the contrary. It should ignite a flame within us, a beacon of purpose. It ought to propel us towards the present, urging us to seize each day with unwavering zeal, to never squander the gift of agency that permits us to craft a remarkable existence. The fixation on elongating our timeline should yield to a fervent appreciation for the present. Thus, only by transmuting the dread of death into a wellspring of inspiration, can we illuminate our path forward.
03. Whose Opinion Matters
“The perpetual marvel persists: our affection towards ourselves eclipses that for others, yet their viewpoints hold more sway than our own.” – Marcus Aurelius
In this era of interwoven connectivity, the imperative to liberate oneself from the fetters of others’ judgments has attained unprecedented significance. This reality is founded on a simple truth – a populace of nearly eight billion strong populates our globe. A multitude diverse in origins, divergent in encounters, and disparate in inclinations. Were one to embark on a quest to integrate all eight billion of these varying opinions into the tapestry of one’s life decisions, the outcome would invariably be one of maddening incoherence. This paradoxical condition is by no means novel; indeed, two millennia ago, Seneca, in counsel to his confidant Lucilius, exhorted the latter to dismiss the capricious and divisive nature of the world’s appraisals.
Seneca’s wisdom endures, underscoring that our focus ought to be resolutely attuned to matters within our sphere of concern, and to that which resonates with moral rectitude. Such discernment is a beacon guiding our path. Rather than succumbing to the turmoil of public opinion, the tenets to which we should devoutly adhere are those of unwavering kindness, empathy, forbearance, open-mindedness, self-mastery, sagacity, and empathy. By diligently weaving these ideals into our essence, we ensure that, regardless of the vicissitudes that befall us or the cacophony of external voices, our actions remain aligned with virtue.
04. Cultivate Stillness
“In my perspective, nothing serves as a more compelling testament to a mind well organized than a person’s capacity to halt precisely where they stand and invest some moments within their own presence.” – Seneca
Amidst the current epoch, the cadence of existence appears to be gathering momentum with each fleeting day. The majority of us are in perpetual motion, propelled by urgency from the very instant we rouse from slumber. We hasten to fulfill our obligations and then proceed to occupy every residual juncture with social media and facile diversions. We find an aversion to ennui intolerable, and this aversion impels us to instinctively flee from any endeavor involving introspection or solitude. Viktor Frankl once contended, “Between an external stimulus and our subsequent response exists a space. Within that space resides our potential to elect our response. Our maturation and liberation lie within our response.” Yet, the scope for such maturation and liberation is diminished when we are besieged by apprehension at the prospect of solitary contemplation, thereby resorting to the mindless perusal of our Instagram feeds at every juncture. Hence, rather than seizing every available interstice to subdue our ruminations, let us forge an amicable relationship with them. Should a mere five minutes present themselves in leisure, embark upon a stroll, and practice the art of embracing the serenity that emanates solely from an utter harmony with oneself and an embrace of one’s circumstances, irrespective of their nature?
Evaluation
The initial passage emanates from the corpus of Seneca, a profound philosopher of ancient times, celebrated for his insights into the human psyche. The excerpt emphasizes the intrinsic value of inner tranquility, portraying the capacity to engage in contemplation without external distractions as a manifestation of a well-ordered intellect. The notion of pausing amidst the ceaseless bustle of modern existence to revel in one’s own company is emblematic of a discerning mind and an evolved consciousness.
The succeeding passage, in its eloquent rephrasing, draws attention to the accelerating pace of contemporary life, underscoring the incessant rush that pervades daily existence. The compulsion to engage in ceaseless activity, coupled with the pervasive influence of digital diversions, is portrayed as fostering an aversion to introspection. This aversion is positioned as a hindrance to personal growth and self-discovery, as eloquently articulated through Viktor Frankl’s concept of choice and response. The passage urges a shift in perspective, suggesting that embracing moments of solitude and quietude can lead to profound insights and a harmonious relationship with oneself.
Opinion
The rephrased passage eloquently captures the essence of the original text while infusing it with a contemporary resonance. The meticulous selection of vocabulary and the nuanced restructuring of sentences enhance the poignancy of the message. The passage successfully imparts the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Seneca’s words, while also echoing the sentiments of introspection and self-awareness in the face of the modern tumult. This reimagining stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of philosophical ideals and the imperative of fostering inner stillness in an increasingly frenetic world.
05. Discovering the Sublime in the Everyday
“Contemplate the celestial ballet as if you were a fellow traveler along their celestial paths, and allow your thoughts to dwell ceaselessly upon the graceful interplay of the elements as they transmute from one form to another. Such musings possess the power to cleanse the accumulated impurities of terrestrial existence.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
While Stoicism imparts invaluable wisdom concerning our conduct in the realm of humanity and our interactions with fellow souls, it remains silent on the enigma of our existence and the cosmic purpose behind the universe’s being. For Marcus Aurelius, this void in Stoicism did not instigate turmoil or restlessness; on the contrary, it evoked an opposite sentiment. Although contemplating the essence of our being does not fall within the realm of Stoic inquiry, savoring the tangible manifestations of existence indeed does. Thus, passages scattered throughout the Meditations encapsulate Marcus’s profound appreciation for the inconspicuous details that often escape our notice. For instance, he contemplates, “In the course of baking, a loaf of bread may inadvertently develop fissures and crevices; yet these unplanned imperfections possess their own unique elegance, enhancing the appetite’s anticipation. Likewise, ripe figs may exhibit spontaneous fissures, and nearing the point of detachment, olives may also unveil the allure of imminent decay, which imparts a distinctive beauty to the fruit.”
The charm of these reflections lies in their simplicity. Despite his imperial stature, the Meditations unveil no instances of Marcus fixating on opulence or luxuries inaccessible to the common populace. Instead, he consistently finds solace in the boundlessness of the cosmos and its myriad constituents. This sentiment is evident in the passage’s closing, where Marcus affirms that the allure of the mundane stems from their harmonious integration into the macrocosm encompassing all beings. Hence, during moments of anxiety or distress, seize a fragment of time—even a fleeting two minutes. In that interval, cast your gaze upon the heavens and ponder the countless gazes that converge upon the same expanse. Reflect upon the multitudes deriving serenity from life’s simple treasures: a leisurely stroll through a verdant park or the nostalgic aroma of a mother’s culinary creations. Allow this contemplation to embrace you in its soothing embrace.
06. Change Your Vantage Point
“Reflect upon the essence in its entirety, of which your share is minute; and upon the continuum of time, of which you’ve been allotted a fleeting and transitory span; and upon the intricate designs of fate, and how exceedingly modest is your role within them.” – Marcus Aurelius
When immersed in the complexities of our affairs and the occurrences within our lives, they assume the foremost significance in the world. This perception arises because we seldom choose to extricate ourselves from our customary mode of perceiving the world, which, due to the constant demands we contend with, frequently revolves exclusively around our immediate environs. As a consequence, we lose sight of the vastness of the world, not to mention the cosmos. Additionally, we err in assuming that the matters that habitually preoccupy us bear any real relevance to our being.
In the second lecture of his extraordinary video series, “Living From A Place of Surrender,” the accomplished author Michael Singer implores us to meditate upon the reality that the present moment, lying before us, is the culmination of a journey spanning 13.8 billion years. Furthermore, he encourages us to fathom the immense proportions of the universe – the countless atoms, molecules, remote galaxies, and fellow humans in existence. And he prompts us to acknowledge the sheer enormity of ongoing events that have absolutely no bearing on our individual selves.
Engaging in this practice can wield a profound influence on the average human being, for it contextualizes all of our predicaments. It dawns on us that the dimensions of our challenges are magnified by our own doing. This contemplation can be a recurrent exercise, permitting us to bask in the tranquility that emerges from recognizing our integration into a scheme so magnificently grand that it defies comprehension.
07. Live by a Code
“In the event that an action lacks righteousness, abstain from its pursuit; if words hold no authenticity, refrain from their utterance.” – These profound words are attributed to none other than Marcus Aurelius, a luminary known for his Stoic philosophy.
At the heart of Stoicism lies an exquisite gift – a blueprint for existence. Once we embrace this intricate design, the ceaseless deliberation that ordinarily drains our vitality throughout each passing day becomes obsolete. The rationale behind this transformation is profound. Rather than grappling with the internal struggle of yielding to the allure of others’ opinions or yielding to indolence in the face of duties, both known to be detrimental, we are liberated. We are liberated from the deliberation process itself, as matters inconsistent with our moral compass are not even ushered onto the stage of consideration. While some may deem this approach excessively restrictive, to Stoic adherents, it signifies liberation in its truest form. Such a code unfetters them from the shackles of anxiety and the disquiet of uncertainty that often emerge from an excessive fixation on even the most trivial decisions.
By adopting this outlook, one gains access to a profound serenity born from the shedding of extraneous matters. All attention converges on the select facets one consciously elects to concentrate upon – facets ideally characterized by virtue, righteousness, and authenticity. The harmony achieved through such selectivity is a treasure coveted by the Stoics, rendering their chosen path profoundly rewarding.
08. Engage in Introspection
“The unexamined life is devoid of value,” proclaimed Socrates, echoing the sentiment that has echoed through the annals of wisdom. Amidst the tapestry of lessons we have woven about attaining serenity, none perhaps shines more luminously than this. Should we neglect to weave the threads of reflection into the fabric of our days, we hazard succumbing to the allure of our most primal instincts and undesirable patterns. The Stoics, in their timeless wisdom, embraced this principle through the art of journaling. Marcus Aurelius, a master of introspection, practiced it with the sunrise, fortifying himself for the day’s trials. Seneca, on the other hand, chronicled his musings with Eve’s pen, savoring the slumber that followed such self-scrutiny, deeming it “particularly sweet.”
In the tapestry of insights offered by Donald Robertson, a seasoned psychotherapist and the author behind “How To Think Like A Roman Emperor,” journaling unfurls as a paramount technique. When executed with precision, it unfailingly endows us with the ability to impartially observe our own thoughts. The Stoic volumes shimmer with attempts to diminish the stature of circumstances, to strip them of their catastrophic veneer—a process Robertson eloquently dubs “decatastrophizing.”
For in the act of journaling, by refusing to let the currents of existence pass us by without scrutiny, we unlock the supreme power bestowed upon us, the faculty of reason. By nurturing this sovereign faculty in both contemplation and the rhythm of our daily lives, we ascend to a heightened consciousness—a realm where the boundaries of our dominion become distinct, where the tapestry of control unfurls. Herein lies the wellspring of tranquility.