In the chaotic dance of life, one might occasionally find oneself out of step, tripping over unpredicted circumstances, or being swept off balance by an unexpected individual. To navigate such challenges, Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and a revered Stoic philosopher, presented a time-tested method. This approach involves two main practices, performed at the start and end of each day: morning preparation and evening reflection.
When the dawn paints the sky with streaks of light, it’s an opportunity to take a quiet moment to prepare for the day. This process involves anticipating potential challenges and individuals that might cause disturbance. It is not about nurturing a sense of dread or anxiety, but rather about grounding oneself in readiness for any hurdles that the day might bring.
Imagine a situation where it is known that a challenging meeting with a particularly demanding colleague awaits in the afternoon. Instead of glossing over it, one may acknowledge the possibility of conflict or stress. Envision the interaction, the setting, and consider the best responses to potential disputes. By doing this, the uncertainty surrounding the meeting can be somewhat reduced and the feeling of being blindsided can be avoided.
As the day draws to a close and twilight starts to blanket the world, it is time for evening reflection. This practice acts as a mirror, reflecting the day’s events, responses, and feelings. It’s an opportunity to ponder on the day, to evaluate reactions to the anticipated challenges, and to consider whether these reactions were optimal.
Continuing with the earlier scenario, let’s assume the afternoon meeting was filled with disagreements and conflicts. The evening reflection would involve revisiting these moments, analysing them, and contemplating potential alternative reactions or strategies that could have led to a better outcome. The idea is not to self-criticise, but to learn and adapt for future similar situations.
By bookending the day with these two practices, one engages in a continuous cycle of preparation and reflection. This allows for an increased awareness of one’s reactions and emotions, promoting a measured and mindful approach to life’s daily challenges. It is worth noting that this cycle is not a magic bullet for eliminating all of life’s difficulties. Instead, it provides a robust mental framework for handling those difficulties with resilience and wisdom. It is, in essence, a means of turning the wisdom of Stoicism into a practical tool for daily life.
