What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a way of thinking and living that was developed by ancient Greek philosophers. The main idea of Stoicism is that we should focus on what we can control and let go of what we cannot control. This means that instead of getting upset about things that happen to us that we can’t change, like bad weather or other people’s actions, we should try to control our own reactions to those things.
How to be stoic?
One way to do this is by focusing on our own thoughts and actions. We should try to have a clear and rational understanding of the world around us, and make decisions based on what is right and fair, rather than being swayed by our emotions.
Another important part of Stoicism is living in the present moment. Instead of worrying about the past or stressing about the future, we should try to be fully present in the here and now. This doesn’t mean ignoring long-term goals or planning for the future, but it does mean not getting lost in regrets about the past or anxieties about what might happen.
Stoicism can also help us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others. We should try to see the world from other people’s perspectives and recognize that everyone is going through their own struggles and challenges. This can help us to be more patient and understanding when things don’t go our way, and to be more compassionate towards those who are suffering.
Practice stoicism today
While Stoicism is an ancient philosophy, its ideas are still relevant and useful today. By practicing Stoicism, we can learn to be more resilient, focused, and compassionate, and to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
So, if you’re feeling stressed out or upset, you might try using some of the principles of stoicism to help you get through it. Remember that you can’t control everything, but you can control your own thoughts and actions. Try to stay calm, focus on the present, and be kind to others. With practice, you might find that stoicism can be a helpful way to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Want to learn more about Stoicism?
Here are some helpful resources to extend your understanding of stoicism beyond what we were able to explain:
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