In ancient Greece and Rome, many everyday people-women, the enslaved, and poor individuals-were barred from philosophical communities. Worse, they were excluded from politics and brutalized in society. At best, disenfranchised individuals were invited in only when wealthy men decided to open the doors. Historians believe that while Stoicism was constrained by these cultural practices, it was nonetheless more inclusive than other philosophical creeds at the time. Many early Stoics believed that virtue was available to everyone, including people living through poverty or political oppression. (Recall that the great Stoic teacher Epictetus was a former slave.) Many Stoics even advocated for women to receive formal philosophical training. While today it feels trite to applaud such limited access, to explore the history of Stoicism (and much of history, really) is to confront these shameful truths. It can be difficult, even discouraging, to contextualize ancient cultural practices. Yet it's my belief, as a woman who might have been left out of many early Stoic debates, that there is still much to learn from this deeply reflective philosophy that has guided humans from many backgrounds for over 2,000 years. Much of the world agrees. Stoic philosophy is not confined to one culture group or life experience. Today, it is practiced all over the globe by a diverse array of people. There are thriving Stoic communities on six continents, in dozens of countries and multiple languages. Stoicism speaks to a universal human experience providing tools for all of us to live with greater intention, purpose, and acceptance.

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Allow me to share with you all, this unusual line of thought. Imagine just for one second that in order for you to face whatever life throws at you, you're wholly invested in one method and one method alone. Let's, for the sake of a figure of speech, assume we're talking about martial arts and whichever discipline you should pick. Your preferred way would obviously be Aikido. Aikido emphasizes using the opponent's energy and aggression against them, rather than meeting force with force. Similarly, stoicism advocates for maintaining inner calm and rationality in the face of adversity, allowing one to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience. Just as Aikido practitioners seek harmony and balance in conflict, stoics strive for inner peace and equanimity amidst life's trials and tribulations. When life throws chaos at you - Be Stoic. Be disciplined in your mastery of the 'art'. For you know you must adhere to the principles and virtues whereas all the others will throw 'chaos' at you. Would you agree Stoicism is the Aikido of the mind?

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This profound quote from Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius is as relevant today as ever. In our fast-paced world filled with negativity and distractions, it's easy to let our thoughts spiral and impact our happiness. But here's the good news: we have the power to control our thoughts. By consciously choosing to focus on the positive, we can cultivate greater happiness and well-being. Here are some tips to put Aurelius' quote into practice: * Challenge negative thoughts: When a negative thought arises, question its validity. Is it helpful or based on reality? Reframe negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. * Practice gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life, big or small. Gratitude fosters a positive outlook and boosts happiness. * Focus on what you can control: Don't dwell on things outside your control, like past events or other people's actions. Instead, channel your energy into what you can influence, like your own thoughts, actions, and reactions. * Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This allows you to observe them without judgment and choose how to respond. By taking charge of your thoughts, you can unlock greater happiness and, you can unlock greater happiness and live a more fulfilling life, inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism Convo