Unlocking Mental Resilience Through Stoic Philosophy
Written on
Understanding the Impact of Stoic Philosophy
Epictetus’ insights significantly improved my mental health. If you find this Stoic wisdom beneficial, consider leaving 50 claps!
Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Unsplash
Struggling with intrusive thoughts tied to blame, hatred, guilt, and shame, I sought answers in the self-help industry. However, none provided the relief I needed from my frustrations. It was during this challenging time that I began exploring Stoic philosophy and the profound teachings of Marcus Aurelius in his work, Meditations. These Stoic principles remarkably enhanced my quality of life.
Photo by Omar Prestwich on Unsplash
The idea that "all judgement is self-judgement" was a revelation that transformed my life.
The Burden of Responsibility
Stoicism teaches that everything is a result of one's own choices.
Yet, I was left with a pressing question: How do you let go of judgement when your life is under threat? While it's easier to find peace after the danger has passed, what should one do in a perilous situation? It was Epictetus who clarified my confusion regarding suffering.
Epictetus' Pathway to Relief
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
By heeding Aurelius’ guidance to release guilt and fear, I improved my ability to handle tough circumstances. Yet, I found that letting go of judgement was more manageable once the storm had calmed. In moments of heightened tension, such as when calming an angry family member, I turned to positive visualization techniques, which proved highly effective.
Harnessing Positive Visualization for Family Peace
Rather than succumbing to conflict, I concentrated on visualizing positive outcomes.
I sensed that Stoic teachings could provide me with further strategies to build resilience.
Epictetus’ Wisdom That Alleviated My Distress
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
During my morning readings of philosophy, Epictetus offered a powerful insight that ignited hope. When asked how he would respond to a death threat, he stated, “It isn’t what you’re threatened with that compels you, but your own judgement that it is better to do this or that than to die.” — Epictetus, Discourses.
This notion resonated with me, echoing Marcus Aurelius’ thought: “things cannot touch the mind: they are external and inert; anxieties can only come from your internal judgment.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Epictetus deepened my understanding by asserting, “It is your judgement that has constrained you… your choice has constrained itself.” — Epictetus, Discourses.
Recognizing that what I perceived as a threat was, in reality, a self-imposed limitation was transformative. Thus, suffering became a choice: to fear or not, to see danger or not, to accept judgement or to reject it. This aligns with Buddha’s insight that suffering is optional.
Practical Insights from Epictetus' Teachings
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
While my intellectual grasp of these ideas is strong, I still grapple with their practical application. I now ponder essential questions:
- How can I overcome my instinctive panic response?
- How do I remain composed when my body senses danger?
- Can I train my mind to entirely control these physiological reactions?
What are your thoughts?
Join the conversation: Do you find any practical value in rejecting judgement? How might you apply this mastery in your life? Don’t hesitate to share your honest opinions—every perspective is valuable!
Stay tuned for more Stoic insights and spiritual wisdom! If you appreciated this exploration, please clap 50 times and leave a comment. You can also support my mission to train in Qigong & Tai Chi in China by donating on Ko-Fi.
Stop Caring About What Isn't Yours: Epictetus' Lessons from My Novel - This video explores how Epictetus' philosophy encourages letting go of external concerns to focus on internal peace.
Five Stoic Practices from Epictetus' Enchiridion | A Lighthall Class Session | Gregory B. Sadler - Discover practical Stoic exercises that can transform your daily life.
I Read Marcus Aurelius And Seneca: Which Stoic Is Next?
Stoic teachings have fundamentally reshaped my perspective on life.
Stoicism Taught Me: The Best Business Advice Is To Follow Your Passion
Stoics emphasize that adhering strictly to business advice can impede personal growth.