Stoicism
A philosophical school of thought associated with Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca the Younger. Much of what we know about stoicism comes from their surviving writings.
Stoicism says that while we can't control the things that happen to us, we can control how we react to them, how we think about them.
Stoicism teaches how to keep a calm and rational mind no matter what happens to you and it helps you understand and focus on what you can control and not worry about and accept what you can't control.[1]
It is essentially the philosophy behind Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
10 Stoic Principles
- Live in agreement with nature
- Live in accordance with virtue---it is the highest of all goods
- Focus on what you can control and accept what you can't (cf The Serenity Prayer)
- Distinguish between good, bad and indifferent
- Take action---the true philosopher is a "warrior" of the mind
- Practise misfortune---ask "what could go wrong?"
- Add a reserve clause to your actions
- Amor Fati (love of fate)---love everything that happens
- Try to turn every obstacle into an opportunity
- Be mindful