Simplify

“Let your mind wander in simplicity, blend your spirit with the vastness, follow along with things the way they are, and make no room for personal views – then the world will be governed.” ― Zhuangzi

Simplify perceived emotional turmoil, external challenges and desires, and existential push-back by taking personal power and control over the thoughts that enter the mind.  Rather than allow distress to run both the mind and body, attempt to gather greater understanding over the causes.  View matters from different angles in order to begin delineating between what is objective and truth versus what is subjective and skewed perceptions.  

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Death & Dying

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Gandhi

Death is certain, which is not intended to start with a melancholic tone, but rather a calling for understanding the phenomena in order to elevate the physical form.  The Stoics viewed death in a manner that aided human purpose.  By philosophizing on our impermanence they were able to reason ways in which fear of death could be replaced by honoring living.

Philosophy & Love

“The Stoics actually both say that the wise man will experience love, and they define love itself as the effort to make a friendship from the semblance of beauty.  Which love, if there is any in the world without disquietude, without longing, without anxiety, without sighing, then so be it!  For it is free from all lust.” – Cicero

Love is made difficult throughout history, and perhaps more in modernity than in previous eras, because not only are unsolicited expectations thrust upon another unknowing individual and are later expressed as premeditated resentments, but also because some individuals forget, consciously skip, or are unaware of the first critical step to loving others is to love the self first.  The power to love another human being reaches its capacity potential from self-derived and self-aimed love. 

Obstacles as Blessings

“The impediment to action advances action.  What stands in the way is the way.” –Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Modern social conventions influence fears, desires, pleasures, and pains.  As humans there are things we want and desire as well as things we seek to obtain to give us pleasure.  On the other side, we avoid fears and are averse to pain.  However, part of stoic philosophy teaches that through use of our reason we are able to control our reactions and thoughts we give to events and situations that occur outside of our control.  

A Good Life

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” – Bruce Lee

Happiness, purpose, and fulfillment is not one size fits all.  There is too much variety among us as human beings to identify one definition of a good life or a life well-lived.  Many pursue wealth and reputation as a means to attain happiness; others pursue moral and ethical development as another path to attain happiness and equanimity.  So, in a manner to some degree all of us seek happiness as the final aim to living.