I find this distilled form of self questioning incredibly useful. When you accept that there is no reason to persist with distressing impressions, it becomes easier to focus on appropriate judgements. There is a freedom that comes from accepting what is in plain sight rather than being upset. I find nowadays that I am calmer, happier and quicker to act on more considered judgements. I have a few quotidian Stoic practices but find self questioning throughout the day to be immensely useful. Thankyou for the guidance Massimo.
I think this is the hardest part of philosophy, because I often get up in the morning. I wake up, I may read a passage from the Enchiridion or something, meditate through the premeditatio about what's coming today. I start off the day ready to live the dichotomy of control.
By noon, it always seems, I'm an animal or automaton, driven by instinct or programming, bent out of shape and totally dominated by anxieties and desires. I forget everything I though in the morning and I fall automatically from one task to the next.
It is an old idea, but revamped is hopefully useful. My hand as a whole represents action / doing. The five practices Massimo lists are like the digits. My thumb represents virtue because the thumb works with all the other fingers & the palm. My first finger pointing the way out of a clenched fist represents the fundamental rule. My middle finger, long & straight represents judgment, my fourth finger bears my wedding ring, a symbol of my roles in life. And my little finger? Well it, like me, is small, a lesser part of my hand, but nonetheless useful and can contribute to a well functioning hand / cosmos.
I find this distilled form of self questioning incredibly useful. When you accept that there is no reason to persist with distressing impressions, it becomes easier to focus on appropriate judgements. There is a freedom that comes from accepting what is in plain sight rather than being upset. I find nowadays that I am calmer, happier and quicker to act on more considered judgements. I have a few quotidian Stoic practices but find self questioning throughout the day to be immensely useful. Thankyou for the guidance Massimo.
Rob, glad it’s working for you! Keep at it!
I think this is the hardest part of philosophy, because I often get up in the morning. I wake up, I may read a passage from the Enchiridion or something, meditate through the premeditatio about what's coming today. I start off the day ready to live the dichotomy of control.
By noon, it always seems, I'm an animal or automaton, driven by instinct or programming, bent out of shape and totally dominated by anxieties and desires. I forget everything I though in the morning and I fall automatically from one task to the next.
I am very similar. I keep reminders around our house, especially on my desk as I work from home for the most part.
John, it’s a common problem. It gets better with mindful practice over time, but let’s avoid to beat ourselves up just for being human.
It is an old idea, but revamped is hopefully useful. My hand as a whole represents action / doing. The five practices Massimo lists are like the digits. My thumb represents virtue because the thumb works with all the other fingers & the palm. My first finger pointing the way out of a clenched fist represents the fundamental rule. My middle finger, long & straight represents judgment, my fourth finger bears my wedding ring, a symbol of my roles in life. And my little finger? Well it, like me, is small, a lesser part of my hand, but nonetheless useful and can contribute to a well functioning hand / cosmos.
Nice, I like it!
So, if I "practice" enough, I'll get six-pack abs?
For sure. But just like the physical ones, ethical six-pack abs are a tall order, not achievable by everyone. Maybe lower your aim a bit? 😃
This column supports the entire structure. Thank you.
I like the analogy!
Always!
I certainly will!