#002 - Mastering Mindfulness: A Stoic Guide to Inner Peace

#TAS002

You know, I used to be pretty good at taking a step back and checking in with myself using the mindfulness feature on my Apple Watch. I had set reminders throughout the day and it really helped me stay calm and grounded amidst the chaos of my busy schedule. But, as time passed by, I got caught up with work and life and before I knew it, I had stopped using it altogether.

Recently, I've been feeling a bit more stressed and scattered than usual and it hit me that it might be because I had stopped taking those little moments for myself. So, yesterday I decided to give it another shot and set reminders for myself again and try to make it a habit to take a few minutes each day for myself, to breathe and just be. It's a humbling reminder that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference in our well-being and it's important to make time for self-care.

For many of us, mindfulness can be difficult to achieve. Especially with the pressures of modern-day life, we tend to lose ourselves and in turn, our inner peace either suffers heavily or disappears altogether.

But why is mindfulness so important?

Well, for starters, it can help reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and enhance overall well-being. It can also lead to greater self-awareness, which can help you make better decisions and navigate through life with greater ease.

But how can we improve our mindfulness practice? I believe that's where Stoicism comes in.

In the Stoic philosophy, mindfulness refers to the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and actions. It involves paying attention to your internal mental state and being aware of reactions to external events, in order to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a sense of inner peace. Practicing mindfulness in the Stoic context involves focusing on what is within one's control, and accepting what is not, in order to live in accordance with nature and reason.

Stoicism emphasizes the development of self-control and resilience in the face of adversity. It teaches us to focus on what is within our control and to accept what is not. This philosophy aligns perfectly with mindfulness, as it encourages us to be present and to let go of things that we cannot change.

For practical purposes, let me share a number of Stoic exercises that can help you master mindfulness.

1. View from above: Try to detach yourself from your emotions and instead view your situation as a detached observer. This helps you gain perspective and understand that the problems you're facing are not as big as they may seem.

2. Negative visualization: Imagine the worst-case scenario and prepare yourself for it. This helps you to appreciate what we have and to be grateful for the present moment.

Despite its benefits, practicing mindfulness from a Stoic approach can be challenging. It is normal to encounter obstacles and setbacks, but the key is to not let them discourage you. Remember, progress is not always linear and perfection is not the goal. The goal is to simply keep moving forward and to keep practicing.

Inner peace is the ultimate goal of both mindfulness and Stoicism. By combining these two practices, we can learn to let go of what is beyond our control, find contentment in the present moment, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. So, take a deep breath, let go of your worries, and start your journey toward inner peace today.

I know this is a short piece but I would like you to think about it and ask yourself: "What is mindfulness to me and how am I taking care of my inner peace?"

And as you continue on your mindfulness and inner peace journey, here are some quotes to guide you:

"The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control" - Epictetus

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts" - Marcus Aurelius

"Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day. … The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time" - Seneca

To master mindfulness and Stoicism, consistency and patience are key. Remember that progress is not always linear, and it's normal to encounter obstacles and setbacks. The important thing is to keep practicing and to be patient with yourself.

If you're looking to start incorporating mindfulness and Stoicism into your daily life, here are a few resources to check out:

• Books: "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

• Podcasts: "The Daily Stoic Podcast", "The Tim Ferriss Show" (search for episodes featuring guests such as Ryan Holiday, Mark Manson, and Naval Ravikant)

• Websites: dailystoic.com, stoicismtoday.com, mindfulness.com

• Social Media: @theafricanstoic, @dailystoic, @stoicweek, @mindful_living

Remember, mastering mindfulness and Stoicism takes time and practice, but by staying committed and persistent, you'll see progress over time and it will become easier to maintain a mindfulness practice. So take the first step today, and begin your journey towards inner peace.

Speak Soon,

Find me on all social media platforms: @reymungai and join The African Stoic community here!