A MIND GYM FOR SERENITY
Balancing exercise of the mind with exercise of the body — Seneca Letter XV
Are you struggling to find serenity in our turbulent world? ? Try these exercises invented by the ancient Stoics.
9 Stoic Mind Practices To Attain Serenity
1 Morning examination
Every morning, have a privileged moment. First of all to rejoice in being alive then calmly prepare for the day. Seneca tells us that you should consider every day as your last day and live it fully.
2 Discernment of what is within your control
Focus on actions that are within your control, without wasting energy on judgements and complaints about situations outside your control. Do constant effort to discern the elements on which your attention must be focused.
3 View from above
Avoid being overwhelmed by current worries, by rising above immediate concerns. Look back and take a global view: “No, you are not the centre of the world; yes, your problems of the moment are insignificant”, especially put in perspective with the major problems of the world.
4 Premeditatio malorum
Consider that the worst can happen in any situation and prepare for it mentally? If it happens, you will be ready for it and if it is more favorable you will solve it without difficulty while rejoicing.
5 Memento mori
Remember that you are mortal: no need to consider this principle morbidly or defeatist but take it as an incentive of taking control of your existence. Work in a more concentrated way, without getting caught up in overactivity, to be more efficient in the workplace and more present for your family, so you gain fulfillment.
6 Reserve clause
Keep in mind the maxim: “Do what you must, come what may.” How many times are you still concerned, when the die is cast?
7 Role Model
Choose as a model one great character whose values and behavior you admire, in order to follow his example during the important events of your life. How would this character have comprehended the situation? Thus, you feel comfortable in your decisions, which avoids overwhelming concerns.
8 Amor Fati
Resistance creates suffering, acceptance provides inner calm.
For a life to flow in peace, as Epictetus says: demand not that things happen as you wish but wish them as they do, and you will go on well. Train yourselves to love life with all its components and to accept all its aspects.
9 Evening examination
In the evening, keep a moment to write or to reflect on your actions, to rejoice on what was good and to motivate you to improve what could be. Your progress towards excellence is continuously checked and encouraged
Good Life And Serenity
Make daily advances towards wisdom and construct harmonious relationships with yourself and others , you will fully realize your nature and attain serenity.
