3 tips for beginner stoics

I have been practicing stoicism for almost 6 years now. I got interested in the practice of this philosophy when I read Ryan Holidays book “The Daily Stoic”. Stoicism is a daily practice; it is defined in google as “the endurance of pain and hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.” This seems very hard and that is why you need to take little steps daily to become stronger on this philosophy. Its masters range from Marcus Aurelius to Epictetus. These and other philosophers left a wealth of knowledge on this philosophy and how to practice it. The benefits are many, but one of the best is being calm under the storm. We all have problems, and these problems may seem bigger to us than to others, because we are all different. That is why you need to practice it for yourself and become aware of its teachings as you apply them to your own circumstances. I found out that these three tips help me keep consistent in my practice of stoicism and help me get the daily rewards of the practice.

1.      Start a Daily Stoic Journal.

I do recommend that you get “The Daily Stoic Journal” by Ryan Holiday. This is what I use daily to get my stoicism philosophy on check early in the morning. You can also get a copy of Marcus Aurelius “Meditations”. You can find it free online, since this publication is very old. But the information inside of this book is still current and can help you as a guide in your journaling process. These words are going to benefit you and can also benefit others I you decide to share them.

2.      Read about the lives of the stoics.

The best examples of stoicism are their masters and prophets. Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, these are only a few, but there is a wealth of information in the form of books, videos, and podcasts online that you can search for and benefit from them. Ryan Holiday has become a type of guru of stoicism and has a library of books that will help you a lot in your journey. The life of a stoic benefits from others and you should not only read them for pleasure, apply the concepts to your life and see how it will transform your life.

3.      Practice Mindfulness and Reflection.

Your life is an experience. Only you know how it impacts yourself and others. So, what I recommend is that you be aware of everything that happens to you and experience it to the fullest. Be an actor, not just someone that is there. Be here now. Open your eyes and embrace every opportunity, good and bad. Marcus Aurelius told us that “the obstacle is the way.” Don’t be afraid to experience new things. Suffering is part of the process, and it will teach you to become resilient. Your day will be filled with these experiences, and it is up to you to recognize them and to record them and reflect on them for yourself and others.

I’m very passionate about stoicism and I really recommend that you become a student of it. Especially in this fast paced and changing environment that we are living in today.

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