210627 What I learned in my studies this morning

I plan well today. 

I know my goal . . . and yet fail. 

Get up. Try again.

Daily Stoic:

Stoicism can be tough. 

Yesterday, as we waited 30+ minutes for our "fast food," I reminded myself that this time will pass regardless of my attitude. I can sit here, pissed off at the injustice of it all, fuming and allowing myself the indulgence of being mad at the workers in the restaurant . . . OR I could remember that today "I will meet interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness" and tell myself, "You know what? This is fine. This is how it is and I choose to accept that. I choose not to give in to pettiness and pouting." 

And it was working. I was calming myself, despite my boys moaning and acting up in the back seat. 

Then I realized this could be a teaching moment and I turned to explain why choosing serenity is the better path in this situation. 

In the middle of my explanation, one son began interrupting and generally being a pain in the neck. 

And I lost my cool. 

Abandoning all my Stoic lessons, I snapped at my misbehaving son, letting my frustration with the food delay, and their earlier annoying antics, best my self-control. 

Literally in the middle of explaining how important Stoic techniques were in controlling your attitude on life, I did the exact opposite and blew a gasket over a minor, unimportant, act by my son. 

I redeemed myself a bit after, apologizing for my outburst and taking responsibility for my loss of control, and explaining how I failed to live up to the very ideals I was teaching them. 

I need more practice. My transformation into a perfect Stoic sage is incomplete.... 

Today's Meditation:

From A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine:

Chapter 21: Stoicism Reconsidered 

There are modern ways to deal with unwanted emotions. Self-help gurus offer quick fixes. Doctors offer prescription drugs. Psychologists offer (unending) therapy.  All of these have their place and can help in the right circumstances. 

The ancient ways, however, offer benefits above and beyond coping with your immediate concerns. In particular, because they come from within, from your decision, your desire to change, and your personal discipline, changes made by adopting Stoic methods are likely to both be more permanent and more widespread in their effects. 

By improving your mental and psychological habits in dealing with these unwanted emotions and reactions, you will likely see improvements in many other areas of your life. 

You will become more deliberate, acting instead of reacting. 

You will find your overall sense of accomplishment grow. 

You will be more self-confident, knowing that you are beyond other's ability to disturb. 

You will find your reputation improve as you easily handle situations which others would find intolerable. 

It's not easy, as I mentioned above, but it's worth it. 

Daily Shakespeare: 

Othello, Act 2, Scene 1