Life Upgrade With Stoicism
Over the many years of being in the fitness industry, my view of what it means to be fit has continued to evolve. In the beginning, I solely focused on the outward appearance and the bodybuilding aspect. Eventually, I realized nutrition plays a huge role in shaping your physique. I have gone through many different phases in my 16 years of seeking ultimate fitness or what I call Real Life Strength (mind, body, spirit). Over time my focus has shifted to a more holistic approach, realizing how the physical, nutrition, environment, and mind need to work together for true health. This leads us to when I discovered Stoicism and some of the main benefits I have experienced from integrating it into my life.
A few years ago I discovered Stoicism, you may be wondering what is Stoic philosophy. The definition from Wikipedia states: That stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that flourished in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. The Stoics believed that the practice of virtue is enough to achieve Eudaimonia: a well-lived, flourishing life. This idea of Eudaimonia is the key, especially in our fast-paced, modern world, it’s too easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. We need to shift our perspective by incorporating the principles of stoicism and philosophy into our daily lives, we can gain a profound sense of clarity, resilience, and purpose. Stoicism, a philosophy offers invaluable wisdom that can guide us toward living a more meaningful and fulfilled life. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of embracing stoicism and philosophy, and how they can transform our daily lives. Let’s dive into our top 5 reasons Stoicism will upgrade your life!
Cultivating Emotional Resilience With Stoicism
One of the core teachings of stoicism is the ability to cultivate emotional resilience. Stoics believed that we have control over our own emotions and reactions to external events. By practicing stoicism, we learn to detach ourselves from negative emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness. Instead, we develop the ability to respond with equanimity, calmness, and rationality. This emotional resilience allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and composure, enabling us to make better decisions and maintain healthier relationships. Stoicism teaches us that we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it. One key takeaway here is to control what you can and let go of the rest. This has been huge for me in so many life scenarios.
Finding Meaning and Purpose
It’s human nature to have a purpose and meaning in life. In our pursuit of happiness, we often seek external validation, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures. Stoicism challenges this notion by emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and purpose from within. By reflecting on our values, virtues, and what truly matters to us, we can align our actions with our inner compass. It’s so easy to think if I just had this thing or that new job my life would be better. I would finally be happy only to discover it is a fleeting moment of happiness. We can’t rely on the external, Stoicism encourages us to focus on what is in our control, such as our character and values, rather than external circumstances. This shift in perspective allows us to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life, as we are no longer dependent on external factors for our happiness. It really is about being content with ourselves and operating from this space, only then will we be truly content.
Developing Mindfulness and Gratitude
Stoicism teaches us to be present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the present. This principle builds from the previous section, having gratitude and living in the moment really helps us stay centered and find inner peace. By practicing mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, allowing us to respond consciously rather than reactively. This heightened sense of mindfulness enables us to savor the small joys of life and find gratitude in even the simplest of things. Sometimes we just need to put the phone down take a few deep breaths and look around. By adopting this mindset, we learn to appreciate what we have, rather than constantly longing for what we lack. This shift in perspective cultivates a sense of contentment and leads to a more positive outlook on life.
Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected events no two days are the same. Practicing Stoicism equips us with the tools to face adversity head-on and build resilience. By embracing the concept of amor fati, or “love of fate,” stoics believe that everything that happens to us is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Stoicism teaches us to focus on the present moment and accept what is beyond our control. This philosophy empowers us to find strength and meaning in the face of adversity, transforming obstacles into stepping stones toward personal growth.
Enhancing Relationships and Empathy
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of virtue and the cultivation of solid character. By practicing stoicism, we become more aware of our own actions, thoughts, and emotions. Enabling us to become better listeners, communicators, and companions. Stoicism encourages us to treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect, fostering deeper connections and healthier relationships. By recognizing the impermanence of life and the interconnectedness of humanity, we learn to cherish our loved ones and value the time we have together. Embracing the concept of Memento Mori, a reminder that “you could leave life right now.” There is no guarantee of tomorrow, this may sound bleak but it’s true every day is a gift. We must remind ourselves to take full advantage of each day, and live in the here and now.
Conclusion
I hope this post helps you understand how incorporating stoicism and philosophy into our daily lives offers countless benefits. By cultivating emotional resilience, finding meaning and purpose, developing mindfulness and gratitude, overcoming adversity, and enhancing relationships, we can transform our lives in profound ways. Stoicism teaches us to focus on what truly matters, to live in the present moment, and to embrace the challenges that come our way. By adopting stoic principles, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom, strength, and grace. Ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and purpose-driven existence. Remember you don’t have to be perfect just practice a little each day. Find easy ways to incorporate Stoicism in your daily life, whether it’s reading a page from Marcu Aurelius Mediations or reading a quote from great philosophers of the past. One of my favorite resources for Stoicism is Ryan Holiday’s book The Daily Stoic and his podcast is fantastic as well.