Stoicism for a Better Life

Episode 140…can you believe it? Let us finish the season with a bang! Today we talk about the Stoics' true power and how to cultivate it. Remember that you can reach out to me or find other resources at stoicismforabetterlife.com (including my Patreon link).

Growth doesn’t come from always being right. It comes from being willing to ask, “What if I’m wrong?” Most of us never do. They build an identity around being “correct.” They defend their beliefs like a fortress—unwilling to let anything new in. But here’s the irony: If you never question yourself, you never evolve. Epictetus nailed it when he said: “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” In other words, you can't fix that which is not broken.

Try this experiment...find a quiet place, sit down and turn off all screens. Just sit there and stare at something of your choice and note how long it takes before regrets of the past, anxieties of the future and a myriad of other emotions enter your thoughts. If this sounds familiar, you have to address this. You must be able to be alone in the moment in order to cultivate the most important relationship you have - the one with yourself. In this episode, let's talk about a few tips and tricks on how to achieve this.

Strength & Power does not necessitate ruthlessness, selfishness and cruelty. True strength comes from having the mental, spiritual AND physical strength to deal with what you may be faced with. Not in order to dominate others, but to merely stand for what is right. This can still be achieved with kindness and peacefulness. Today, we share some wisdom from the Daoists and Shintoists, which overlaps with our Stoic ways.

Life just sucks doesn't it? It always finds a way to bring you down and punch you in the stomach no matter how hard you're trying right? If you want reprieve from the "suck" you will keep searching your whole life until your death bed, for controlling the universe around us is impossible. But if you're looking for ways to LIVE WITH the "suck", then I have some answers for you in today's episode about having faith in the universe and yourself.

CRIIINGE!!! Ever say or do something and immediately after you feel like a complete awkward mess? You end up regretting the event and can't stop thinking about what others are thinking and saying about your actions and choices? You think to yourself why you did it...why you're so weird....and how you will now be judged and shunned? We've all been there, don't worry. And here are a few ideas to meditate on in order to help you get past these normal basic thoughts and concerns.

Joy...we all want it...we all chase it...and none of us seem to ever have enough. Yet the fix for this is all too simple. You can find joy in any moment and cultivate it if you just pay attention. Let's talk about three ways we can help cultivate our joy within.

Inner peace...we all want it. We all chase it...but we can't seem to get there. Or if we do...it does not seem to last. The formula for a tranquil life is actually quite simple. Its consistent application, however, is where it gets difficult. In this episode, let's discuss some of the tools the Stoics used to help gain and (more importantly) maintain tranquillity.

In this episode, we will tackle some tips and tricks on Staying Grounded in a Chaotic World. Due to the current global economic and political climate, most human beings in the world today are feeling triggered, confused, fearful, crushed, hopeless, angry, etc. The answer? Copious amounts of alcohol. If that's not your thing, perhaps these Stoic tips and tricks can give you something to work with to try and get out of the despair we feel sometimes.

Errors are a normal part of being human. But we are too often so harsh on ourselves. A simple shift in focus from perfection to progression can help you overcome the death spiral of self-criticism. If you are a human being, then this episode might be for you, because the Stoics recognized we make mistakes sometimes and gave us some guidance to remain focused on the task at hand.

Emotions, emotions, emotions... when emotions rise up within us, it is so very difficult to remain grounded isn't it? This is a problem all humans face, as this is a glitch of our core operating system which ties back to survival instincts. But luckily the Stoics had some good advice on how to tackle emotions taking over our thoughts. I will share three (3) steps with you in this short episode to help anyone tackle their emotional waves and remain grounded.

Pursue dreams that are in the future...OK. Now don't focus on the future...Huh? Pursuing dreams can seem paradoxical as a Stoic, for we are trying to live in the present moment, but dreams are in the future. So how do we reconcile the two? Let me clarify how our teacher differentiates the pursuit of goals and dreams from our happiness and tranquillity in this episode of SFBL.

"What did they mean by that text?" "Am I making the right decision?" "What if something does not go as planned?" Do you have a tendency (like me) to overthink and cause yourself mental stress and consternation for no good reason? Going with the flow is what our Stoic ancestors suggested to help curtail this self-punishment. I will explore this idea in a bit more depth in this short episode.

Let me drop a quick truth bomb on you... Loving reality and accepting all the bad things that have happened to you has less to do with the discipline of accepting reality as it is and almost everything to do with loving YOURSELF in the present moment. Let me walk you through how our Stoic ancestors put this with a few quotes and ideas in this short episode.

We set goals all the time, but have a tendency to quit them the moment things get hard. As Stoics, however, we embrace difficulties and see it as part of the process. Let me share some of my Stoic wisdom with you in helping you attain your goals.

Our unhealthy wantingness to please others is no fault of our own. From a young age, we are trained to make the authority figure (parent, teacher, coach, manager, etc.,) happy and to do as they say. Later in life, this can translate into an unhealthy habit of trying to be a people pleaser whether we realize it or not. This human trait to try and please others also speaks to our pack animal nature, so we can easily get caught in a death spiral of trying to please others at our own peril. If this sounds familiar, let me share with you some tips and tricks my Stoic ancestors have taught me to help manage the stress and anxiety that comes with trying to please others.

Point to a human being who does not feel anxious at times, and I will point to a liar. All human beings feel anxiety (same as pessimism) because it is a natural pre-programmed survival mechanism, like breathing! You do not think of breathing, but you just consistently do it. So it is with anxiety. But it does not mean we are slaves to this physically and mentally taxing feeling. With some simple tricks, we can slowly take control over it. I don't claim to know the one true solution to curbing anxiety, but I have found some tips, tricks and life hacks from our Stoic teachers that tend to resonate with many. Let us discuss these today in this short episode.

Season 7; Episode 3 (123) - ON STAYING FOCUSED ON THE TASK AT HAND - Am I the only one that feels staying focused on the task at hand is an impossible task? Distractions galore in the form of responsibilities, goals, tasks, demands of the world around us from bosses, family, kids, etc... Let me share with you a few tricks I picked up from Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus as we learn about tools that can help us remain focused on being a virtuous human being.

Attaining perfection. We are all perfectionists to a certain extent. Some more than others, but we all struggle to do what we know we should be doing. So what did the Stoics say about it and how do I apply it today? Let's find out together in this short episode.

Everywhere we look it is chaos, divisiveness, injustice, unfairness and uncertainty. Seriously...how does anyone get through life without breaking down into a fetal position and crying? I'm not sure how you guys do it, but let me share with you how I get through on this short opener for season 7. I'm really looking forward to this season with you guys!

Indifference is the greatest tool we Stoics have in navigating the poop that comes with life. Let us finish the season with some of the best advice Epictetus gives us. - Let it go.

I get knocked down...but I get up again! You ain't never gonna keep me down. Chumbawamba got it right. But how do we get back up when we get knocked down? Let me share another trick our Stoic ancestors teach us - Remember that you are part of the whole and a larger body.

We keep aiming for higher highs and judge our awesomeness on whether we attain said highs. However, true strength comes from the capacity to get back to yourself (your true self) at any given moment, especially when things around you seem difficult.

I was asked if I believe in rebirth. Let's talk about Metempsychosis) and treating every day as day one. If you can treat every day as a rebirth and the first day of a new behaviour pattern, you will find this cheat-code very useful.

There is a White Wolf (positive voice) and a Dark Wolf (negative wolf). The Dark Wolf inside us is filled with fear, anger, envy, jealousy, greed, and arrogance. The White Wolf is filled with peace, love, hope, courage, humility, compassion, and faith. They battle constantly, so make sure you feed the one you want, not the one your body (the vessel) wants.

We are naturally pessimistic animals, as pessimism was a necessary survival tool for our species. However, in today's modern world, pessimism is no longer necessary. Moreover, it is 100% detrimental to our mental health and general attitude. Practicing gratitude is the single most effective tool against pessimism. So, grab a pen and your journal and practice gratitude to save your body, mind, soul and general attitude towards life.

Patience is the highest virtue. We've all heard this expression, but how does it impact your life, virtue and mental state/anxieties? You may be surprised how tightly wound together patience and the quality of your life is.

In today's colloquial language, there are two definitions of happiness: One meaning joy and elation; and one meaning equanimity and tranquility. If you have trouble attaining happiness, then you are probably defining it the wrong way. Let me share with you what our ancient Stoic teachers had to say.

What is the best hobby that you can do to reset your mind, body and soul? Is it meditation? Is it shooting guns? Is it hiking, or motorcycling? Let me share with you what works for this old Stoic.

You might have heard me say over and over again...as long as you remember who you are, what you are and where you are, nothing in this temporal world can harm you. In this episode, I will expand on this.

Yup...we've all been there... a million times. You think you're doing well and life is finally working out, but then out of nowhere WHAMMO! Some set-back happens and you lose perspective and all of a sudden life seems overwhelming and impossible. You lose motivation and can't even fathom getting back to virtue. Let me share with you how I get back to the good Stoic ways.

Yup...we've all been there... a million times. You think you're doing well and life is finally working out, but then out of nowhere WHAMMO! Some set-back happens and you lose perspective and all of a sudden life seems overwhelming and impossible. You lose motivation and can't even fathom getting back to virtue. Let me share with you how I get back to the good Stoic ways.

Overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities you have in life? Here's what a Stoic has to say about it. Join me on episode 108 of SFBL for more.

You have heard the expression "Blood is thicker than water?" Did you know that the ACTUAL expression is "The Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb"? This episode will delve into how to handle family relationships from the perspective of a Stoic.

Perspective is everything. It helps bring the whole of the cosmos into a simple understandable state. It helps one overcome anything. So how do we tap into the right perspective? This is an intimate question that is unique to each individual. However, I will share what helps me in case it helps you.

What will Stoicism actually bring you? Today I share with you my view on what Stoicism brings you after having been a Prokopton for over a decade. Stoicism is not what you think it is...this might surprise you!

Life is tough...wars everywhere...so much hate speech...someone is probably on your case...overworking...groceries are expensive...so I spent some time meditating on how to find strength. Let me share with you what I identified.

How do you prep for the future but live for the moment? This is today's great question and topic from pgdaq. A good question that comes up often as we are taught to live for the moment (one day at a time...) yet we are also taught to prep & save for the future...What the what? Come on in and listen to what our ancient Stoic guides have to say.

Join me today as we swim together out of the murky waters. Thank you Nikki for inspiring today's episode. The question is how to get out of a funk, and the answer is easy...ish. Once we define what a funk is and where it is we want to go, the journey becomes much clearer and easy.

Welp...life is kicking my butt...just like you. But what else can we do, but try and find the most virtuous foot in front of the other...one step at a time. I am unable to record videos at this time, nor can I continue my reading of the books (maybe next year) But for this season, I am going to do what I can, which is a short, unedited audio podcast (that's right...we're going back OLD SCHOOL to the first few seasons!). Today I am answering the question of how to quit smoking/vaping or any other addiction. The answer is simple but it might surprise you. Lots of love from me to you and here we go with another season (albeit chaotically!)

The pursuit of a tranquil life...let us conclude now that we have read through the chapters, what this all means for you (if anything) and how you can change your approach to life to better every aspect of it.

THIS IS THE CHAPTER YOU WANT. If there is one chapter you read from this book, this is it. How do you find tranquillity in this life? By having a why. How do you know what your purpose (or Why) is? By clearly identifying your necessities. Here we outline a step by step guide for identifying your purpose in life.

We're wrapping up and concluding the general thoughts slowly. Today it is about philosophy and why the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is the only way to freedom, joy and tranquillity.

Thinking about the suffering of others and working towards their betterment is a sure fire source of joy in life. Last Chapter we spoke about why Loving thy neighbour is the only option and a great source of joy. This chapter we conclude and hammer it home: Seriously...Love Thy Neighbour!

Here's the third Q&A of the season. We've got a few questions on motivation & perspective and one heavy topic like talking to 10 y/o about suicide. Join me for the third and last Q&A of the season, as we close up on the 100th episode.

The chapter is called 'Love Thy Neighbour'. Learning to love others and put their suffering before yourself is a fundamental key to happiness and joy in life.

Who are you? You look in the mirror and say "I". You look at a picture of you from 10 years ago and say "I". Yet the two entities you are looking at are not the same. They do not look the same. They do not exist in the same moment of space-time. So who is "I"?

This is the one many of you have been waiting for. What the heck do we do with our emotions? How can I possibly be anxiety free while I have these messed up thoughts and feelings within? Lend me your ear and let me tell you how I deal with it.

Why is life so hard? Why must everything be so difficult? Why do I feel like the universe is sometimes conspiring against me...all the time? These are universal questions that transcend all "differences" between us, and the answer is exactly what you think it is. There is no fair...or unfair. Life just is and the universe is thus. We have no say in the matter no matter how upset we are or how loud we yell. Accepting this, is the key to shaking the yolk of the human condition.

Here's the second Q&A of the season. We've got an admission of guilt and wrongdoing by yours truly, and tips on staying motivated and focused, as well as dealing with the overwhelming force of life on a day to day. I got you fam...I know it's hard, but I've got tricks up my sleeve I can share with you. Come join me would you for a few minutes, give me your time and I promise you'll get a few chuckles and leave a better human being.