What are the costs of avoiding emotions?
How do emotional problems arise? We each learn to deal with stress in life using a range of coping strategies which are designed to help reduce pain. Some coping strategies work better than others, and some cause long-term negative impact on our well-being. How do you think you…
Implementing Stoicism Day 12 – Morning Meditation on Others
In this article we will focus our attention on Marcus Aurelius’ morning meditation on others. This meditation will help you to start your day with an open mind. Not long after we open our eyes and start our day we will likely meet with other people. It is…
Implementing Stoicism Day 11 – Speak Without Judging
Judging other people is not a virtuous thing to do, especially as our subjective view on others is often misguided. In this article we will see why it is important to speak without judging. It is in our nature to pass judgement on certain things. Our judgements can…
Implementing Stoicism Day 10 – Don’t Speak Too Much About Yourself
In this article we will talk about why it is not a virtuous thing to speak about ourselves too much, and how it can potentially harm us if we do. Have you ever noticed how dull and exhausting it can be to constantly listen to one person talking…
Implementing Stoicism Day 9 – Respond to Insults With Humor
Humor is one of the best weapons against those who are trying to insult you. This defense will not only displease your insulter, but it can also make you feel better about yourself. Insults are difficult to deal with, whether they are intended or unintended. Everyone gets insulted…
Implementing Stoicism Day 8 – Choose Your Company Well
In this article we will discuss why it is important for us to choose good company, as the people we spend time with can influence our personality and behavior. Humans are social beings and as such, we spend most of our time surrounded by others. We often can’t…
Implementing Stoicism Day 7 – Speak Little and Well
In this meditation we will explain why it is important to speak little and well, as opposed to speaking often but poorly. It is widely known that Zeno of Citium, the father of Stoicism, was a man of few words. However, this is not because he rarely thought…
Implementing Stoicism Day 6 – Reserve Clause
In this article we will approach the subject of a reserve clause. We often think we can control the outcome of our actions; however, there is a difference between control and influence. This meditation will teach you how to handle the unpredictable outcomes of your actions. Furthermore, practicing…
How to let go of painful emotions
We can use the mindfulness skills of observing and describing to learn to let go of our emotional suffering. Learning to observe and describe our emotional experiences helps create some distance, which is essential for problem solving and adequate coping. Letting go of Emotional Suffering: Mindfulness of your…
Implementing Stoicism Day 5 – Pause and Take a Deep Breath
Today we will explore a few techniques that can help you to avoid unnecessary conflicts. This meditation will teach you how to manage your heightened emotions, which can cloud your judgement and consequently harm those around you and potentially yourself. When we are provoked, it can be very…