Growing older is a journey, filled with lessons and wisdom. But, it can also bring a lot of worry and stress, right?
Enter Stoicism – an ancient philosophy aimed at finding tranquility in life’s chaos.
Embracing Stoic habits is choosing to age gracefully. It’s about accepting what life throws at you but not letting it disturb your peace.
In this article, I’m going to share 8 Stoic habits that can guide you towards a calmer, more peaceful life as you age.
Come along with me, and discover how to say hello to these habits that can change your perspective on aging. Here’s to growing older with grace and tranquility!
1) Embrace the art of indifference
Stoicism teaches us there are things in life we can control, and things we can’t. Discerning the difference is key.
This doesn’t mean adopting a cold or unfeeling attitude. Instead, it’s about recognizing what’s in your control and letting go of the rest.
For instance, you can’t control the weather, the traffic, or other people’s actions. But you can control how you react to these things.
When you get upset about something outside of your control, you’re essentially causing your own suffering.
So, strive to become indifferent to those things beyond your influence. This doesn’t mean ignoring or avoiding them, but accepting them as they are.
It’s a liberating habit that lightens the mental load and helps us focus on what truly matters.
2) Practice mindfulness daily
One of the most transformative habits I’ve learned from Stoicism is the practice of mindfulness.
A few years ago, I found myself always worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. My mind was a whirlwind of “what ifs” and “if onlys”. I realized I was missing out on the present, the only moment we truly have control over.
So, I started practicing mindfulness. Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I’d sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on the sensations around me. The cool air, the soft light, the quiet hum of life around me.
This simple act of being present helped me feel more grounded and at peace. It allowed me to appreciate life as it is – not as I wanted it to be or feared it might become.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine is a Stoic habit that can significantly enhance your peace and perspective as you age. It’s not about escaping reality but embracing it fully. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
3) Embrace the concept of Memento Mori
Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that translates to “Remember you must die”. Far from being morbid, this concept is a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy.
Stoics see it as a reminder to live fully and authentically. After all, our time here is limited. It urges us to make every moment count and not waste time on trivial matters.
Incorporating Memento Mori into our mindset encourages us to prioritize what really matters in life. It’s a reality check that fosters appreciation for every day and every moment, promoting peace as we age.
4) Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy. It’s about appreciating what we have, rather than lamenting what we don’t.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that happiness lies in acquiring more – more money, more success, more possessions. But Stoicism teaches us that true peace and contentment come from appreciating what’s already in our hands.
By consciously cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can shift our focus from what’s missing to the abundance that’s already present in our lives.
This can be as simple as taking a moment each day to acknowledge something you’re grateful for. A warm home, a good meal, a loved one’s smile – these small moments of gratitude can compound over time to create a profound sense of peace and contentment as we grow older.
5) Accept change as a part of life
Change is inevitable. As much as we might want things to stay the same, life has a way of constantly shifting and evolving. This, I realized, was something I needed to accept rather than resist.
I remember being shaken when my favorite coffee shop, where I had spent countless afternoons, closed down. It might seem trivial, but it was a change that I hadn’t anticipated or wanted.
But instead of dwelling on the loss, I took it as an opportunity to explore new places. This small shift in perspective made the experience less about losing something and more about gaining a new experience.
Embracing change rather than fearing it is a key Stoic habit. It helps us to adapt, evolve, and find peace in the uncertainty that aging inevitably brings. Change isn’t something to be feared but embraced as a natural part of life’s journey.
6) Practice negative visualization
Despite its name, negative visualization isn’t about fostering pessimism. It’s a Stoic exercise that involves imagining the loss of things or people we value.
The aim is not to dwell on sadness, but to appreciate what we have while we have it. It serves as a reminder of the impermanent nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
For example, consider how you’d feel if you lost a loved one or your home. These thoughts may be uncomfortable, but they can profoundly shift our perspective and heighten our appreciation for what we have.
By practicing negative visualization, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and peace as we grow older, appreciating our blessings not because they are infinite, but because they are fleeting.
7) Understand that happiness is a choice
At the core of Stoic philosophy is the belief that happiness isn’t determined by external events, but by our internal response to them. It’s about realizing that no matter what life throws at us, we have the power to choose our reaction.
This doesn’t mean suppressing negative emotions or pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging our feelings, but not letting them dictate our state of mind.
We can’t control everything that happens to us as we age, but we can control our attitude towards these events. By choosing to focus on the positives and accepting the negatives, we can find peace and contentment at any stage of life.
Final thoughts: Embracing tranquility is a journey
The essence of Stoicism lies in understanding and accepting the transient nature of life. It’s about cultivating resilience, fostering gratitude, accepting change, and ultimately, finding peace in the midst of life’s turbulence.
As we age, we often grapple with the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. The Stoic habits we’ve discussed here offer a roadmap to navigate these challenges with grace and tranquility.
Whether you’re navigating the golden years of your life or much younger, these habits can guide you towards a peaceful existence. It’s not about age; it’s about mindset and perspective.
But keep in mind, embracing Stoicism isn’t an overnight transformation – it’s a journey. A journey that unfolds with each passing day, each saying hello to every sunrise and goodbye to every sunset.
So stick with it. It’s worth it.
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.
