How to find purpose and meaning with stoic teachings

Have you ever felt lost, like you’re wandering without a purpose?

I have. And it can feel overwhelming.

But over time, through reading and learning, I stumbled upon Stoic teachings. And it changed my perspective.

These teachings aren’t some magic formula, but they’ve given me a sense of direction I didn’t have before.

I’ve had my share of trials, errors, and teachings that didn’t quite resonate. But Stoicism?

It’s been a revelation. It’s given me a fresh approach to life, loading it with purpose and meaning that was absent before.

And it might do the same for you.

Ready to explore? Let’s get started.

01 Embracing the art of indifference

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from Stoic philosophy is the ability to maintain indifference towards things beyond my control.

Life is unpredictable, filled with events and circumstances that we simply can’t control. This unpredictability can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Stoic teachings, particularly those of Epictetus, make an essential distinction between things within our control and those outside it. He said:

“There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. “

“Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.”

In his teachings, he emphasizes focusing our energy on the former and accepting the latter with grace and equanimity.

This concept, simple as it may seem, has been a game-changer for me. It is not about apathy or resignation but about understanding where our power truly lies and where it doesn’t.

By practicing this Stoic art of indifference, I’ve learned to navigate life’s unpredictability without letting it disturb my peace of mind. I’ve found a sense of purpose in what I can control and a profound acceptance of what I can’t.

It’s a subtle shift in perspective but one that carries immense potential for finding purpose and meaning in life.

02 Cultivating gratitude

Modern research shows that cultivating gratitude can have profound effects on our sense of well-being. But the Stoics knew this well before any of these studies.

In fact, it’s a concept that Stoic philosophers heavily emphasized.

Marcus Aurelius, a prominent Stoic philosopher, once wrote, “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”.

This statement encapsulates the Stoic approach to gratitude – appreciating what we have.

Incorporating this teaching into my life has meant consciously acknowledging and appreciating the good in my life, however small or big. It’s about finding joy and meaning in what I already have rather than constantly seeking more.

Practicing gratitude consistently has been transformative. It has enabled me to see things from a more positive perspective, reduced stress, and given me a sense of contentment with my current circumstances.

Embracing this stoic practice of gratitude might just be the key to finding purpose and meaning in your own life.

03 Cultivating self-control

The Stoics placed great value on this virtue.

Epictetus, is known for his teachings on the importance of self-control in achieving inner tranquility and freedom. He tells us, “No man is free who is not master of himself.”

For me, cultivating self-control has meant learning to resist immediate pleasures in favor of long-term well-being. It has meant making choices that align with my true values rather than succumbing to momentary desires.

This practice has involved setting boundaries, delaying gratification, and making conscious decisions that contribute to my overall growth and happiness.

Practicing self-control in this way has not only led to increased self-awareness but also a sense of empowerment. It’s given me a sense of direction, purpose, and meaning in life.

By embracing this stoic practice, I’ve learned that I am not at the mercy of my impulses or circumstances. Instead, I have the power to shape my life based on my values and aspirations.

Cultivating self-control might not be easy, but it’s certainly rewarding. And it’s a key step towards finding purpose and meaning with stoic teachings.

04 Embracing impermanence

Picture this: You’re holding a beautiful, delicate flower in your hands. You admire its vibrant colors, its soft petals, its delicate fragrance. But you also know that this flower, like all things in nature, is transient. It won’t stay this way forever.

This is the principle of impermanence, a concept that Stoicism deeply embraces. Stoics believed that everything in life is temporary and constantly changing.

Marcus Aurelius wrote about the fleeting nature of life, reminding us to appreciate what we have while we have it and to remain adaptable in the face of change. Here’s one of my favorite quotes on this:

“Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”

Bringing this perspective into my life has been transformative. It’s helped me appreciate the present moment more, knowing it won’t last forever. It’s also encouraged me to be more flexible and open to change, recognizing it as an inherent part of life.

It might do the same for you.

05 Practicing negative visualization

While it may sound a bit, well, negative, one of the practices that has deeply impacted my perspective is a Stoic exercise known as negative visualization.

The Stoics recommended imagining worst-case scenarios not to induce fear or anxiety but to appreciate what we have and to prepare ourselves for potential adversities.

For me, this has involved visualizing the loss of comforts or privileges I often take for granted. This practice has helped me realize how much I have to be grateful for, and it’s reduced my fears and anxieties about potential loss or hardship.

Negative visualization also serves as a reality check, a reminder that life is full of unexpected turns, and we must be equipped to handle them.

By adopting this practice, you may find that your perspective on life shifts, leading you closer to finding purpose and meaning with Stoic teachings.

06 Valuing inner tranquility over external possessions

The Stoics regarded inner tranquility as the ultimate goal and viewed external possessions as transient and often distracting from this aim. As put by Seneca “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”

For me, shifting my focus from acquiring material possessions to cultivating inner peace has been a journey of growth and self-discovery.

This doesn’t mean renouncing all worldly possessions or ambitions. Rather, it’s about knowing that these things don’t define me or determine my happiness.

By valuing inner tranquility, I’ve learned to find joy and satisfaction within myself, independent of external factors. This has brought about a sense of contentment, purpose, and meaningfulness that material possessions could never offer.

07 Living in accordance with nature

Have you ever felt out of sync with your surroundings, like you’re constantly swimming against the current?

Stoics believed in the concept of living in accordance with nature, but this doesn’t mean retreating to the forest and abandoning civilization. It’s about harmony between oneself and the natural world, which includes societal norms and our own rational nature.

This teaching challenged me to reassess my lifestyle choices, values, and behaviors. It urged me to align my actions with my true nature—my core values, strengths, and capabilities—and the larger ecosystem I’m a part of.

Living in accordance with nature has meant embracing authenticity, understanding my place in the world, and contributing positively to it. This shift towards a more harmonious existence has brought me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that was previously lacking.