Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (March 7, 2021)
Hello there,
As I do sometimes (and as our ancient guides recommend we do), I will seek some wisdom outside of our school today. Here are some words from another great philosopher Lao Tzu:
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
We know that indifferents are out of our control and should not have any weight on how we conduct ourselves, as none of these externals (including the body’s mind and emotions) can get inside our thinky bits (also called the brain by some) and make us think or do anything. What we overlook sometimes, and something that is all too obvious is that the past and future are externals. As such, they are firmly in the realm of indifferents.
The past is the past and we cannot change it. No matter how much you may regret something, you cannot change anything and logically the only thing that can be done with the past is to learn from it and move on. The future is the future and is unknown. No matter how much you may wish for an outcome, hope for something, be averse to an event or fear what may come, you have 1) No control over it; and 2) No idea what will actually happen.
The only thing we have control over is our thoughts and actions in the present moment (point 0,0 of space and time) and as long as we can remain there anxiety and depression cannot enter our ruling faculty. So as a practical exercise this week, take the time to identify something you are anxious and/or depressed about. Then write about it. Break it down in your journal. It’s not in the present is it? With that, you should find the logical means to gain back control of your ruling faculty. Note that I don’t mean you will immediately shed all anxieties and sadness. You don’t control your body and reprogramming your autopilot takes time (but is a happy side effect of doing this exercise for an extended period of time).
What I am telling you is that you can take full control of your ruling faculty so as to be able to make good and virtuous decisions despite feelings of anxiety and depression your annoying roommate (the body’s mind) may be throwing your way. And through virtuous acts, I guarantee you will immediately begin to feel better about yourself, your life and your prospects.
Anderson Silver