Men seek retreats for themselves - in the country, by the sea, in the hills - and you yourself are particularly prone to this yearning. But all this is quite unphilosophic, when it is open to you, at any time you want, to retreat into yourself. No retreat offers someone more quiet and relaxation than [...]
Early in the morning
Let Marcus help you whenever you feel like hitting the snooze-button, or complaining about your part in this world. At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: "I have to go to work—as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I'm going to do what I was [...]
Sunday thoughts (week 2 2017)
Remember that the mass media (especially the social media) brings you the bad news of the world; the tragedies, scare-stories, uninformed opinions, unwarranted claims and many times just plain lies. The world is beautiful but it looks like hell via the headlines. Be accurate and honest with your efforts at anything you try to accomplish. [...]
Enchiridion by Epictetus, chapter 2 – Use choice and refusal, but lightly
Desire and aversion Believe it or not. We can make some choices regarding things we desire, or are aversive of. Sometimes, I would agree, it does not feel quite like that. I myself have some aversions which most of the time seem almost completely and utterly out of my control. Perhaps there are some desires like [...]
Random thoughts – on complaining and consistency
Just some random ideas that popped in to my head while doing a weekly reflection. Do not complain About anything. Keep all your complaints and bitter feelings to yourself. Tell your worries to someone only if that someone can really help you in the situation with or is the one responsible of fixing it. Do [...]
Enchiridion by Epictetus, chapter 1 – What is in my power?
The distinction I drive around the town in my car, minding my own business. I am a diligent driver; I maintain my vehicle properly, follow all the rules and practice caution. Still an unexpected can happen. Someone else may crash my car. I might make a mistake. The damn Bimmer can break down and leave [...]
Sitting Meditation
Find a quiet and peaceful place to meditate in. Preferably where there is no wind, not too hot or not too cold. Turn off your phone and other distractions. If you can't find such a place, then meditate in a noisy and busy place. Sit on a a cushion cross-legged, or on a chair (some [...]
Stoic Morning Meditation
Follow the script to meditate at daybreak. This is based on the audio files shared by Stoicism Today, read by Donald Robertson who is also the author of the book called "Stoicism and the Art of Happiness", which includes a lot of Stoic exercises. Just grab your coffee-mug and sit upright with dignity, on a chair [...]
When a man finds that it is his destiny to suffer
When a man finds that it is his destiny to suffer, he will have to accept his suffering as his task; his single and unique task. He will have to acknowledge the fact that even in suffering he is unique and alone in the universe. No one can relieve him of his suffering or suffer [...]
That is all you need
Objective judgement, now at this very moment, Unselfish action, now at this very moment, Willing acceptance, now at this very moment, of all external events. That is all you need. - Marcus Aurelius
Fate Permitting 