The Real Meaning of Stoicism

We settle for what we shouldn’t. We settle for less when we can have so much more. We settle for pain, and we are the kings and queens of sorrow when we could be the Emperors and Imperatrices of solutions. But why we accept suffering so easily? Why we let fear and insecurities dictate our behaviors and sabotage our future? Because, to be honest, we suffer more in our imagination than in reality. Unfortunately, our brain can identify major changes, but it is lazy to perceive microaggressions, subtle changes in our daily life, that will, in the long run, undermine our routines. 

Although we have at our disposal scientific information about how our brain works, explaining even how we can use our emotions and subconscious mind to progress as individuals. The reality is that the majority of people don’t understand how people are or why they behave in a certain way. The educational system doesn’t teach or give the necessary tools to develop self-awareness, self-knowledge, self-empathy, and empathy for others. The educational system doesn’t teach us to be the owners of our own will or destiny, but yes, be another sheep in the middle of the flock. And this why and how we settle for less, for pain and unnecessary suffering. Because since a young age, we lack self-knowledge and education for real life, emotions and people. 

The real meaning of Stoicism is to live a good life and be in the present moment. We shouldn’t hide our pain. We shouldn’t eat sugar but instead workout and eat correctly to stay healthy. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. We shouldn’t take the ones we love for granted. And finally, we should stay away from people and situations that will damage our minds and corrupt our souls, educating ourselves as much as we can. 

As a teacher I suggest these books for reading:

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life by Massimo Pigliucci 

How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett 

Have a lovely weekend 🙂 

Alexandra

Reference: What Stoics Can Teach us About Mental Health by Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W.