Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (August 30, 2020)

Hello there, 

For this week’s exercise, let us look for some inspiration from Epictetus. This is from his Discourses I 24.1&2:

“It is difficulties that show what men are. Consequently, when a difficulty befalls, remember that God, like a physical trainer, has matched you with a rugged young man. What for? some one says. So that you may become an Olympic victor; but that cannot be done without sweat.”  

2020 has been a tough year for many, if not most. By tough, of course, I’m referring to external circumstances that would have made life a little (or more) difficult to get through as far as logistics are concerned. These difficulties may get so cumbersome at times, that one just gives up. At other times, all we can do is just get by. Being a human being and getting through the day is sometimes an act of courage in and of itself. And that is okay.

What Epictetus is reminding us here is that even when the chips are stacked against you and things seem so difficult, you can find some good in it. You can find some motivation. You can keep trying to fight the good fight and actively look to make the world a better place, regardless of what’s happening in your world and reality. Because these difficulties you face can simply be seen as a unique opportunity to train yourself and become stronger and better.

So as a practical exercise this week, try and take stock of whatever has been causing you worries, problems and angst…then remind yourself that this is just a “trainer” that the universe has provided you. From time to time, the universe will send this bigger and stronger trainer your way. And if you can overcome them, like you do any other regular day, then you can become stronger and be ready for the Olympic games of life.

Keep fighting the good fight and remember that we’re all in this together, and I’m rooting for you.

Anderson Silver

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