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Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy that Rome subsequently embraced, contains significant truths about life, knowledge, and calm that still apply daily. The heart of the problem is a fundamental principle: control duality. This concept differentiates between what we can influence (our actions and reactions) and what we cannot, such as what others do or the state of the world.
Adopting this notion may increase our ability to live in serenity, resilience, and purpose. Let's look at the Stoic philosophy and five essential daily tactics for recognising and utilising this control challenge.
Let it Go by Recognising Your Zone of Influence
The path begins with realising what you have control over. Stoic philosopher Epictetus put it succinctly:
"We control our opinion, choice, desire, aversion, and, in a word, everything of our own doing."
This reflects the knowledge that you have direct control over your thoughts and actions. After completely internalising this, you will experience an incredible feeling of strength and responsibility. Recognising our area of influence may be a life-changing realisation, transforming our perspective from one of reliance and helplessness to one of autonomy and strength.
Let it Go by Determining What is Beyond Your Control.
In contrast, it is critical to recognise the components over which we have no control. External occurrences, other people's acts, the past and future, and cultural conventions are all things we cannot control.
No matter how much we desire, we cannot control the weather, world politics, or a friend's reaction to our statement.
It is critical to comprehend this element since attempting to control the uncontrollable results in frustration, disappointment, and suffering. Realising that certain things are out of our reach frees us from this self-imposed load and opens the door to inner peace.
Let it Go Through Developing Emotional Resilience
Stoicism is not about suppressing emotions. Instead, it teaches emotional resilience. We cannot control our first emotional reactions to things but how we respond to our feelings. Stoicism teaches us to discriminate between emotions and actions. It's okay to feel anger, but it's not okay to let that anger control us or our responses. This distinction is significant. We become stronger and build a healthy relationship with our emotional self when we learn to manage our emotional reactions rather than repress them, bringing us closer to the Stoic serenity ideal.
Art of Letting Go
The first step is recognising what is beyond our control. The second and most crucial step is developing the ability to let go. This does not imply apathy or indifference but directing our efforts to impact where we can. Stoicism advises us to let go of our connection to the uncontrolled and external.
"You have power over your mind - not outside events,"
wrote Marcus Aurelius.
When you realise this, you will discover strength. Every day, we make a conscious decision to practise letting go. It liberates us from the shackles of anticipation and worry, allowing us to operate calmly and efficiently.
Develop Gratitude and Contentment
Stoicism promotes the importance of gratitude and contentment. It encourages us to be in the moment, accept reality, and find meaning. Stoic philosophy suggests our passions frequently lead us astray, pursuing things we cannot control. Genuine contentment, on the other hand, stems from enjoying what we have right now, no matter how ordinary or essential it may appear.
We promote inner calm by appreciating our existing circumstances and finding contentment in them, bringing us closer to the Stoic ideal of a fulfilled and serene existence.
Final thoughts
The duality of control in Stoic philosophy gives a clear and compelling guide for living a calm, resilient, and meaningful existence. We may liberate ourselves from unneeded obligations and focus our energy where it counts by understanding our power over our actions and responses and letting go of our illusions of control over external situations. It reminds us that while we can't control the winds of fate, we can modify our sails.
This comprehension promotes resilience, calm, and a deep sense of empowerment. Remember that tranquillity is found not in the absence of turbulence but in the ability to retain inner quiet amid it.
According to Stoicism, the art of life is not avoiding difficulty but learning to handle it with wisdom and tranquillity.