Ever wondered if ancient philosophy could help simplify your modern life?
I did – way back in 2015 – and I found a philosophy that’s been a game-changer for me: Stoicism.
It’s made a remarkable difference in simplifying my everyday life.
It’s been a road of discovery, with a lot of techniques that didn’t resonate, but these eight have completely reshaped my outlook on life, bringing about peace and simplicity.
And they might just do the same for you.
Let’s get into them
1) Focus on inner strength
In my early twenties, I often found myself rocked by external circumstances, feeling like a boat adrift in stormy seas. For instance, a sudden job loss or a breakup would throw my entire life off balance, leaving me scrambling to regain my footing.
This all changed as I learned more about Stoicism, however.
Stoicism isn’t just about accepting what life throws at you; it’s about developing an inner strength that remains steadfast, no matter the external situation. It’s about understanding that our control lies within our reactions, not the events themselves.
It’s about realizing that we have the power to choose our responses to life’s challenges and that this response can either help us grow or hold us back.
By striving to develop such inner resilience, I’ve found stability that is unaffected by life’s ups and downs. This stability simplifies life by removing the chaos of emotional turbulence, enabling me to focus on what truly matters.
2) Start journaling
In our fast-paced society, introspection can often take a back seat. But what if I told you that an ancient philosophy could offer a practical tool for self-reflection?
Stoic journaling, as practiced by the likes of Marcus Aurelius, is not just about recording events, but examining our judgments and reactions to them. This practice aligns with the Stoic idea of focusing on our control over responses, rather than the events themselves.
Moden studies back up its benefits, too. As noted by Healthline, journaling can help reduce stress, enhance well-being, and give us a way to process emotions.
How do I apply to this in my own life?
Every day, I set aside time to reflect on my actions and reactions through Stoic journaling. This practice isn’t just a rundown of daily happenings, but a deep dive into my thoughts and emotions.
This process has been enlightening, to say the least. It’s allowed me to identify patterns in my behavior that either align with or deviate from who I aspire to be.
3) Practice mindfulness
Research has consistently shown that mindfulness can increase calmness and overall well-being. But what does Stoicism have to do with this?
Well, like many things, the Stoics had it figured out before we had any studies to back these things up.
Stoicism encourages mindfulness through its emphasis on being fully present and engaged in whatever we’re doing. Rather than worrying about the past or the future, Stoics teach us to focus on the present moment.
Marcus Aurelius, for example, tells us, “Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This philosophy, I think, aligns well with the practice of mindfulness, which is all about cultivating a heightened awareness of our current experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It’s not about forcing positivity or denying negative emotions; it’s about observing them without judgment.
Incorporating this Stoic-infused mindfulness into my daily life has been transformative. It has simplified my life by eliminating unnecessary worries about the past and future, allowing me to fully engage with the present moment.
4) Practice gratitude
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from Stoicism is the practice of gratitude.
The Stoics believed in appreciating what we have rather than lamenting what we don’t. They taught that by focusing on the abundance in our lives, we can find contentment and peace.
Again, the Stoics had this figured out way before studies had confirmed it.
And the research is overwhelmingly positive. As noted by Harvard Health, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships”
It isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties, as many think, though. It’s about recognizing the good amidst the challenges, shifting our focus from lack to abundance.
Incorporating this Stoic practice into my daily routine has brought a sense of simplicity and contentment to my life. By starting each day with a gratitude list (in my journal), I’ve been able to shift my perspective and appreciate the abundance around me.
The act of practicing gratitude has simplified my life by promoting a positive mindset and reducing needless worry about lack or loss. It’s a small step with a significant impact, adding a touch of simplicity and joy to everyday life.
5) Limit your desires
This might be the most actionable for many of you.
The pursuit of happiness and fulfillment often leads us into the trap of constantly wanting more. We think that acquiring more possessions, achievements, or experiences will make us happier—or at least I did.
But Stoicism presents a powerful counterpoint: limiting our desires can actually enhance our satisfaction.
By embracing a mindset of sufficiency and appreciating what I already have, I’ve managed to simplify my life dramatically. This approach doesn’t mean living austerely or denying enjoyment; rather, it’s about recognizing and being grateful for our current blessings, thereby reducing the relentless pursuit of more.
In my own life, limiting desires has meant making thoughtful choices about what I truly need versus what I merely want due to external pressures or momentary impulses. I’ve learned to set boundaries on my consumption and to decline acquisitions that do not add substantial value to my life.
This Stoic practice has not only decluttered my physical space but also cleared mental clutter, allowing me to focus on what’s genuinely important. The reduced pressure to conform to societal expectations has brought a greater sense of peace and authenticity to my life.
By adopting the art of limiting desires, I’ve discovered that true contentment comes not from accumulation but from a deep appreciation of what is. This shift has simplified my life, fostering a profound sense of well-being and resilience. It’s a lesson in finding wealth not in endless desire, but in contented simplicity.
6) Embrace adversity
Life is full of challenges. We all face them. But how we respond to adversity can make all the difference.
Stoicism teaches us to view adversity not as a misfortune but as an opportunity for growth and learning. The Stoics believed that every challenge we face is a chance to exercise our virtues and become stronger. Pretty much all of the Stoics covered this in detail in their writings, but one of my favorite quotes is by Marcus Aurelius. He wrote:
“Be like the headland on which the waves continually break, but it stands firm and about it the boiling waters sink to sleep.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This principle has been a game-changer for me. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, I’ve learned to see them as stepping stones towards personal growth.
By accepting adversity and viewing it through the lens of Stoicism, I’ve been able to simplify my life. I’ve stopped fighting against challenges or feeling overwhelmed by them. Instead, I accept them as part of life’s journey, and I focus on the strength and wisdom they can bring.
This acceptance has removed unnecessary stress and struggle from my life, allowing me to live more simply and authentically. It’s a powerful shift in perspective that can bring a sense of calm and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
7) Embrace the art of indifference
One of the most transformative aspects I’ve adopted through Stoicism is what we might call the art of indifference.
In our modern world, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information and stimuli. It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of emotions, reacting to every little thing that comes our way.
The writings of Epictetus, a renowned Stoic philosopher, have shown me the true value of indifference. The idea isn’t about becoming emotionless, but rather learning to differentiate between what we can control and what we can’t, and focusing our energy accordingly.
This Stoic practice is more than just about being non-reactive. It’s about understanding that not everything deserves our emotional investment. It’s about recognizing what truly matters and freeing ourselves from the unnecessary burden of things beyond our control.
By adopting a mindset of indifference towards things outside my control, I’ve experienced a significant decrease in stress and anxiety. It’s cleared up mental clutter, allowing me to focus on what’s genuinely important.
It might seem counterintuitive, but embracing indifference can indeed lead to a simpler and more peaceful life.
8) Accept the impermanence of life
Last but not least, Stoicism teaches us to accept change and loss as natural parts of life.
By understanding and accepting the transient nature of all things, we free ourselves from the fear of loss and the constant pursuit of permanence. We learn to appreciate what we have in the moment and let go when the time comes.
This Stoic principle has helped me keep life’s ups and downs in perspective. It has encouraged me to focus on appreciating my present circumstances and relationships, without being overly attached to them.
This acceptance of impermanence is an integral part of Stoicism and a key step towards simplifying your life.
The bottom line
In a nutshell, Stoicism offers practical wisdom for a simpler, more peaceful life. It’s not about eliminating emotions, but mastering them, and focusing on what truly matters. Give it a try; you might be surprised at the tranquility it brings.
As always, I hope you found some value in this post.
For more Stoic insights and daily wisdom, consider joining our email list below.
Until next time, stay Stoic.
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.
