Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (March 22, 2020)

Hello there, 

The Coronavirus (COVID 19) has changed the way we all live. If you’re like me, you are one of many who are living in extended isolation. But no matter where you are in the world, you have been (and continue to be) faced with uncertainties, panic and fear. With that in mind, we can still look back at our guides from 2,000 years ago to help curb our anxieties. Here are some words from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations V 2:

“How satisfying it is to dismiss and block out any upsetting or foreign impression, and immediately to have peace in all things.” 

We are victims, like never before, of information overload. This is true on a regular day, but more so during a Pandemic. Should we get rid of our phones and cut the internet cable then? No, of course not, because we want to stay in touch, we want to learn, and we want to be aware. Therefore, we must cultivate targeted ignorance.

I am reminded of Publilius Syrus’ adage: “Always shun that which makes you angry.” As Stoic practitioners, this may seem counter-intuitive, for we don’t feel emotions therefore we don’t get angry at anything right! Ha! If only it were like that. No, we are human beings, and part of being human is having emotions. As Stoic practitioners, we try and strengthen our highest faculties to better manage our emotions. But this effort is limited.

With that in mind, why surround yourself with things that provoke and trigger you, if you don’t have to. True, when faced with difficulties we must be strong and endure it, and it just makes us stronger when we survive it. However, avoiding it when possible is a sign of strong will as well. It’s saying “I know how I normally react to this situation, so I will avoid it. And if I have to face this unwanted situation, I will try my best not to respond in a bad manner.” Why try and heal a wound, while aggravating it at the same time.

So, in the coming days, as a practical exercise, try and stay informed, but avoid those topics, sources, medium, etc. that you know will just trigger you or upset you. 

Be safe my friends and hang in there. This too shall pass.

Anderson Silver

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