Have you ever felt lost in life?
I have. More times than I’d like to admit.
In my search for direction, I stumbled upon the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor. His insights proved to be a beacon for me in times of confusion.
Through reading his works and reflecting on his teachings, I’ve gathered five lessons that have been pivotal in regaining my footing when I felt lost.
Maybe they can serve as guideposts for you, too. Ready to explore?
Let’s get into ’em.
1) Embrace the power of acceptance
If there’s one profound lesson I’ve gleaned from Marcus Aurelius, it’s the strength found in acceptance.
Life, as we all know, can be unpredictable. Plans go awry, and circumstances change unexpectedly. Marcus Aurelius taught me that resisting these inevitable shifts is like trying to control the wind.
This lesson is about more than just surrendering to fate. It’s about understanding that we can’t control external events, but we can control our reaction to them. Acceptance is not about passivity; it’s about active adaptation.
Embracing this mindset has brought a sense of calm and tranquility into my life. Rather than fighting against the tides of change, I’ve learned to flow with them.
2) Life is short (live it now)
This is a big one.
Many of us live like we have all the time in the world, or at least I did. But Aurelius shattered this illusion for me with his timeless wisdom:
“We ought to take into account not only the fact that day by day life is being spent and a small balance remaining.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This perspective isn’t meant to depress us but rather to remind us of life’s transience. It underscores the importance of cherishing the present moment and not taking any experience or person for granted.
Applying this lesson has meant reevaluating my priorities and focusing more on what truly matters. It has taught me to appreciate the here and now rather than obsess over past regrets or future worries.
Understanding that everything is temporary can be unsettling at first. But once you embrace this reality, it can imbue life with a sense of urgency and purpose.
3) Value self-reflection and introspection
Marcus Aurelius was not just a philosopher and emperor; he was also a prolific journaler. His personal writings, now known as the “Meditations,” provide deep insights into his reflections and philosophical musings.
This practice of introspection, of turning inward to understand oneself better, is a significant lesson from Aurelius.
In my own life, I’ve found that regular self-reflection has been instrumental in navigating periods of uncertainty. It’s easy to get swept away by life’s rapid pace and lose sight of our inner thoughts and emotions.
But by making time for introspection, much like Aurelius did in his journals, I’ve been able to gain a better understanding of myself.
This isn’t about over-analyzing every single thought or action. It’s about pausing to check in with yourself, understanding your reactions, and acknowledging your feelings.
Through this process, I’ve gained insights into my behavior patterns, identified areas for growth, and found clarity amidst confusion.
It might take a bit of effort to cultivate this habit, but the rewards are certainly worth it.
4) Embrace the inevitability of change
“There is a kind of river of things passing into being, and Time is a violent torrent. For no sooner is each seen, than it has been carried away and another is being carried by, and that, too, will be carried away.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Have you ever found yourself resisting change, clinging to the familiar even when it’s not beneficial?
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from Marcus Aurelius is about the very nature of life itself: it is always changing.
Practicing this lesson has led me to be more flexible and resilient in the face of life’s unpredictability. It’s taught me to seize opportunities that arise with change rather than resisting them out of fear or discomfort.
Embracing change isn’t about discarding stability. It’s about finding equilibrium amidst the flux, thriving in the face of variation rather than merely surviving it.
5) Recognize our shared humanity
Picture this: You’re in a crowded place, surrounded by people from all walks of life. Amidst the noise and hustle, you feel a sense of connection. Not because you know these people, but because, like you, they are all part of the grand tapestry of human existence.
This sense of shared humanity is a key lesson from Marcus Aurelius. He wrote, “We are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth.”
Aurelius urges us to remember that we are not isolated beings. Our lives intertwine with countless others in intricate ways.
Acknowledging our shared humanity has helped me navigate feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It reminds me that I’m part of a larger collective and that my actions ripple out and influence others in ways I may not always see.
This realization has nurtured empathy within me, fostering an understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
It’s a profound reminder that we are all in this together. It has the power to bring comfort during times of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging that’s vital for our emotional well-being.
The bottom line
Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom offers timeless guidance that can help us navigate through life’s complexities.
Whether it’s acceptance, living in the moment, self-reflection, embracing change, or recognizing our shared humanity, his teachings provide valuable insights that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
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Until next time, stay Stoic.
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What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.