I am grateful for so, so many things in this life (lest I forget).
When I was 18 I read Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’ for the first time. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor (161-180 AD) and a Stoic philosopher. His book, which is essentially the man’s diary, has been and still is tremendously formative for me. It amazes me that the most powerful man in the world, living nearly 2000 years ago, was having such relatable questions and queries about life as we do in modern times.
Despite the book being called ‘Meditations’, the Stoics did not practice meditation as we conceive of it in the Eastern sense. Meditation is in the Western sense is more like a method and period of deep contemplation.
The Stoics were famous for their contemplative practices as ways of coming to terms with life and death, and bringing out our internal wisdom.
While reading ‘Meditations’, one quote in particular really stood out to me:
“Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.“
This Tuesday, I would like to share with you all a contemplation I often do that fosters deep gratitude. I have been doing this practice for almost a decade, and I can say that it has rewired my brain to see the good in everyday things, to not by default focus on what is missing, but appreciate what is!
Stoicism holds a set of values and principles that many find incredibly empowering and has even found use in modern therapy such as CBT. I hope you find this practice therapeutic too.