Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (July 10, 2019)

Hello there,

This week for our practice (and do share what you think and how you practice), let us employ Epictetus’ words from his Discourses III 19 2-3:

“For nothing outside my reasoned choice can hinder or harm it – my reasoned choice alone can do this to itself. If we would lean this way whenever we fail, and would blame only ourselves and remember that nothing but opinion is the cause of a troubled mind and uneasiness, then by God, I swear we would be making progress.”

We have all heard by now (many times I’m sure) all is opinion, and nothing external actually is good or bad. It is all dependent on our own judgments of said external events. The concept is very clear and simple…application, however, is a whole other ball game.

So this week let’s cut straight to it as often as we can. This week, try and go without blaming a single person or event… say for 15 minutes. If you can make it the whole 15 minutes without actually playing the blame game over anything then extend the challenge and make it an hour. Can you make it a whole day without blaming anything or anyone for anything before the end of the week? Let the group (honestly) know how long you made it. I reckon this won’t be an easy one.

Much love to you all and as usual, I wish you a wise and productive week.

Anderson Silver

(Author of “Your User’s Manual” and “Vol 2: Your Duality Within”)