In today’s fast-paced world, bombarded by notifications and the constant pressure to keep up, finding tranquility can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is where Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy that offers timeless wisdom for achieving inner peace and resilience, could be very useful for our challenging times.
Far from advocating for emotional suppression or indifference as many typically may think of it (eg: the Stoic face), Stoicism is about embracing life’s challenges with a level head and a steady heart.
If the idea of navigating life’s storms with a bit more grace appeals to you, keep reading to discover how Stoicism can be a beacon of light in the chaos of modern living.
What is Stoicism?
At its core, Stoicism teaches the art of living virtuously in harmony with nature and reason. It’s about understanding our emotions, recognizing the impermanence of external goods, and valuing our inner moral character above all.
Stoics strive for a life of eudaimonia, often translated as happiness or flourishing, achieved by living in accordance with virtue. Imagine facing life’s myriad challenges—not with frustration or despair—but with calmness and clarity. That’s the Stoic ideal.
How did Stoicism Start?
Founded in the bustling streets of ancient Athens around 300 BC, Stoicism was the idea of Zeno of Citium. After a devastating shipwreck, Zeno turned to philosophy, seeking solace and understanding.
He found it in the wisdom of Socrates and began teaching in a painted stoa (the covered public area porch of buildings), thus giving Stoicism its name. Stoicism flourished, adopted by slaves and emperors alike, most notably Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, whose works continue to inspire millions of people today.
What are the 4 Virtues of Stoicism?
Stoicism’s ethical framework is built on four cardinal virtues which offer us values in how we may respond to life and the situations and circumstances we find ourselves in. They have stood the test of time, never changing, which is a testament to their robust qualities.
The four virtues of Stoicism are:
Wisdom: Practical wisdom, the ability to navigate complex situations with sound judgment.
Courage: Not just physical bravery, but the courage to face internal struggles and societal pressures with dignity.
Justice: A commitment to fairness, kindness, and community well-being.
Temperance: Self-control and moderation, avoiding excess and finding the golden mean in all things.
These virtues aren’t just lofty ideals but practical guidelines for daily living.
For example, imagine you’re facing a difficult decision at work. Applying Stoic wisdom, you’d carefully consider all options with a clear, unclouded mind. Courage would help you make a tough but necessary choice, justice would ensure your decision is fair to all involved, and temperance would keep you from overreacting to the potential fallout.
How Can Stoicism Help You In Your Life Today?
Modern psychology echoes many Stoic principles, especially in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches the management of emotions, reactions to thoughts, and understanding perspectives to gain insight and take action, living in alignment with our values.
Research has shown that practices similar to Stoic reflection can significantly reduce depression, stress and anxiety. This is an ongoing research field but one key thing to note is that historically, Stoicism has been used time and time again in difficult times by many people as practical ways of living authentically and with good mental health throughout the challenging times.
Stoicism teaches us to differentiate between what we can control—our thoughts, feelings, and actions—and what we can’t, such as the actions of others or external events. This perspective can dramatically reduce stress and increase our sense of agency and satisfaction.
For instance, if you’re worried about a global event, Stoicism would encourage you to focus on your responses and contributions to the situation rather than the uncontrollable outcomes.
Start With These 3 Stoic Practices
Morning and Evening Reflections: Begin and end your day by reflecting on your actions, the challenges you might face, and how you can apply Stoic virtues. This practice, similar to journaling, has been supported by research indicating that reflection can enhance mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
The Dichotomy of Control: Regularly remind yourself of what’s within your control and what isn’t. This practice helps prioritize your focus and energy, a technique supported by research in stress management and resilience.
Contemplation of the Sage: Imagine how a wise person you admire or know would handle the challenges you’re facing. This technique, akin to modeling in psychology, can provide new perspectives and solutions.
Conclusion
Stoicism is more than just a philosophy; it’s a practical toolkit for living a fulfilling life. By embracing Stoic practices, we can learn to face life’s challenges with grace, cultivate inner peace, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the ancient wisdom of Stoicism remains a guiding light, reminding us of the power of virtue, the value of reflection, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.
In my practice of Mental Health Coaching, I aim to integrate ideas from Stoicism, along with ACT and CBT, to provide evidence-based approaches and methods to helping with our difficult problems and challenges. By weaving them into our lives naturally, we are more likely to adopt them as habits, leading to better outcomes in the long term.
If you would like to start your own journey to mental and physical well being, click the button lower down the page to organize your free discovery call.
