Tag: Stoic

Personal Development

Some Philosophical-Spiritual Dimensions of Material Welfare Type Activities

Lately, I’ve had occasion to reflect on certain aspects of life that aren’t obviously or directly philosophical or spiritual, and to wonder how they might be made philosophical. Or, for that matter, to wonder how they might already be philosophical, even if their philosophical character is indirect or otherwise not obvious. (To clarify what I mean by “philosophical,” please see Philosophy as an Art of … Continue reading Some Philosophical-Spiritual Dimensions of Material Welfare Type Activities

SeekerFive3 Comments
Personal Development

Some New Year’s Resolutions Counsel from Epictetus

With the New Year’s holiday, and the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, just around the corner for many of us, it seems appropriate to recount some simple advice from Epictetus, the famous Stoic philosopher and teacher. … We all know, I think, that New Year’s resolutions tend not to last beyond January. … Continue reading Some New Year’s Resolutions Counsel from Epictetus

SeekerFive7 Comments
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Creativity

3 Stoic Exercises to Achieve Tranquility and Inner Peace

In this blog post on the philosophy of Stoicism I want to explore 3 practical Stoic techniques that I have found particularly useful for attaining confidence and tranquility of the mind. If you take a step back and look at your life from a cosmic perspective you will realize how small and insignificant you are compared to the enormity of the universe.  Consider this – … Continue reading 3 Stoic Exercises to Achieve Tranquility and Inner Peace

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Uncategorized

Amor Fati and The Acceptance of What is Necessary

This idea of surrendering ourselves to something beyond our control is foreign to our natural inclinations as human beings. At our core we are meaning making creatures who tirelessly seek to rid the world of uncertainty, and have power over our natural environment. We develop myths, rituals, belief systems, and socio-political institutions all in an attempt to influence the outcome in our favour – to shape our … Continue reading Amor Fati and The Acceptance of What is Necessary

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Uncategorized

Prepare for Days That Kick You in the Face

One night after class, I had a conversation with a student who rarely misses. I mentioned to him about having to cut back on his training in the future if he gets married and has kids. His reply was, “I won’t get married if she won’t let me train three or four times a week.” While this sentiment displays his determination and passion for our … Continue reading Prepare for Days That Kick You in the Face

formerwriters14 Comments
planet earth
Pointless Overthinking

Expanding Circles: Spiritual Exercises as a Bridge Towards Cosmopolitanism

As noted by the philosopher Aristotle, humans are ‘social animals’ who exist and thrive in communities. We have the ability to devise sophisticated institutions enabling us to co-operate with others across cultures and borders. We can see how interwoven our lives all are through the complex interdependencies in our economies, societies and in the natural environment. As humans, we exist in broader networks and are … Continue reading Expanding Circles: Spiritual Exercises as a Bridge Towards Cosmopolitanism

formerwriters4 Comments
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Pointless Overthinking

A Stoic Approach to Fear

Seneca: A Stoic Life One of the things I admire about the Stoic philosophers is that they embodied the wisdom that they preached. Seneca, one of the three notable Stoics (along with Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus), used the philosophy of Stoicism to navigate the turmoil and uncertainties during his life. Although he maintained a high status in ancient Rome as a politician and financial clerk, … Continue reading A Stoic Approach to Fear

formerwriters11 Comments
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Pointless Overthinking

Marcus Aurelius: On Humility and Duty

We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne Marcus Aurelius, Meditations In this day and age it is far too easy to become addicted to our ego. Through the internet and social media, we long for instant gratification and … Continue reading Marcus Aurelius: On Humility and Duty

formerwriters27 Comments
Pointless Overthinking

Your thoughts please: Is there anything completely within your own power?

Anything fully up to you. Dependent only on you. Entirely within your own control? A little context: When walking the Stoic path (one form of philosophy as an art of living), people often seek to distinguish what’s within their own power and what isn’t. This sets the stage for acceptance of what is not, and taking responsibility for what is. But right now I want … Continue reading Your thoughts please: Is there anything completely within your own power?

SeekerFive43 Comments