In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of our goals and get caught up in the constant cycle of work, sleep, and more work. But what if we told you that there’s a way to start each day with a sense of calm, focus, and productivity?
Enter Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that offers practical wisdom for modern times.
By incorporating Stoic principles into our morning rituals, we can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s about starting the day with intentionality and mindfulness, not just mindless routine.
In this article, we’ll explore a few key Stoic morning rituals that can help you lay the groundwork for a productive day ahead.
Let’s get to ’em.
1) Reflect on the day ahead
“When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Seneca – (Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 71)
Have you ever jumped out of bed, rushed through your morning, and arrived at work only to realize you don’t remember what you did or why you’re doing it? This is where Stoicism can make a difference.
Take a few moments each morning to sit quietly and contemplate the day ahead. What tasks do you need to accomplish? How can you approach them in a calm and rational manner? This simple ritual can help you set clear intentions for your day and approach your tasks with purpose and focus.
2) Practice gratitude
“Ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Another powerful Stoic ritual is practicing gratitude. Instead of waking up and immediately thinking about all the things you have to do or all the problems waiting for you, take a moment to count your blessings.
For instance, I used to wake up each morning dreading my long commute to work. The traffic, the noise, the stress – it all seemed like a burden.
But after incorporating Stoicism into my life, I started to view my commute in a different light. I began to feel grateful for having a job to commute to, a car that gets me there, and even the time in traffic which I started using to listen to enlightening podcasts or simply enjoy some quiet time alone.
This shift in perspective didn’t change the reality of my commute, but it transformed how I experienced it. So, why not give it a try? What are you grateful for today?
3) Accept what you cannot control
As Epictetus once said, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” This principle is a key tenet of Stoicism and can be a game-changer in your daily life.
Start your day by acknowledging what you can and cannot control. You can’t control the weather, the traffic, or other people’s actions. But you do have control over your own responses and attitudes.
For instance, if it’s raining and you’ve planned an outdoor activity, you can either get upset over the ruined plans or you can adapt and find an enjoyable indoor alternative. The situation hasn’t changed, but your reaction to it has.
By accepting what you cannot control and focusing on your responses, you start the day with a more resilient and adaptable mindset. This stoic ritual helps to reduce stress and increase satisfaction in your everyday life.
4) Meditate on your mortality
“We ought to take into account not only the fact that day by day life is being spent and a small balance remaining” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Sounds grim, right? But hear me out.
Ancient Stoics practiced a form of this called “Memento Mori,” or “Remember you must die.” It’s not about becoming morbid or fearful; it’s about acknowledging the impermanence of life as a way to appreciate the present moment and live life fully.
So, how can you incorporate this into your morning routine? Take a moment to reflect on the preciousness of life.
Understand that every day is a gift and not a guarantee. This can help you avoid petty annoyances, make the most out of your day, and focus on what truly matters.
5) Practice negative visualization
Negative visualization might sound counterintuitive. But, in Stoicism, it’s actually a powerful tool for managing expectations and fostering gratitude.
The idea is to imagine what your life would be like if you lost some of the things you take for granted. For instance, imagine if you didn’t have a comfortable home, or if you lost your job. These thoughts can be unsettling, but they serve a purpose.
By visualizing these scenarios, you create an appreciation for what you have now and lessen the impact if any of these situations were to happen. It’s not about dwelling on the negative but about valuing our current blessings and preparing ourselves for any potential setbacks in life.
Each morning, take a moment to practice negative visualization. This could transform the way you perceive your life and improve your overall resilience.
6) Read or listen to Stoic teachings
One of the best ways to start your day on a Stoic note is to immerse yourself in Stoic teachings. This can help reinforce the principles of Stoicism and offer practical insights that you can apply throughout your day.
There are plenty of resources available, from the classic writings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus to modern interpretations and podcasts about Stoicism. Even a few minutes each morning can make a significant difference.
By starting your day with Stoic teachings, you’re not just gaining wisdom, you’re also setting a tone of mindfulness and intentionality that can guide your actions for the rest of the day.
7) Practice self-reflection
Last but not least, take a few minutes each morning for self-reflection. This is a key part of Stoic philosophy and can help you understand your actions, reactions, and emotions better.
Stoics believe that we can learn a lot from our own thoughts and behaviors. By reflecting on our actions from the previous day or anticipating the situations we might face today, we can identify areas for improvement and plan how to handle challenges better.
So, spend a few moments each morning in quiet contemplation. Ask yourself: What did I do well yesterday? What could I have done better? How can I apply these lessons today?
This simple ritual can lead to personal growth and make you more mindful and prepared for the day ahead.
The bottom line
Incorporating Stoic rituals into your morning routine can be a transformative way to start your day. It sets a tone of mindfulness, resilience, and intentionality that can carry through the rest of your day, boosting your productivity and overall mental well-being.
Of course, everyone’s morning routine will be different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to experiment with these rituals, see what resonates with you, and make them a part of your unique morning routine.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with these Stoic rituals or any others you’ve found helpful. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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.
