If we exercise will we can direct our thoughts each day. There seem to be two schools of thought; one that states that we are in totality the creators of our circumstances and the other that fate is totally out of control. Systematics tells me it is two complementary views despite the apparent opposition. There are circumstances that is outside our control and there are circumstances that is within our sphere of influence.
A key requirement in directing our thoughts is to distinguish between what we can influence and what we cannot influence. We often err by accepting that which can be changed and fighting against that which can not be changed. Both leads to the misplacement of effort. It is for this reason that we must take time to contemplate where we direct our intent.
When we are faced with what seems unchangeable, we must look for a different perspective that allows for change. We must ask ourselves what in the conditions we face might be amenable to change. It is seldom that the whole system of forces would be beyond change. In essence we are creative beings and when we are able to change the smallest of things we maintain the flame of hope alive within us. We might not be able to remove the forces that constrain us but we might be able to relief the pressure it places on us.
The one thing that we can always work on steadily is to foster inner virtues within ourselves like patience, moderation, indifference etc. Virtues that allows us the agility to face fierce adversity with confidence in a troubled life and provides us with an inner stability that acts as an axis for a dynamic life. When the core is stable we can step through external chaos. Developing and strengthening virtues sets a matrix of sustainable forces in place that becomes the glue for growing in being – our inner togetherness and wholeness.
zeal4living
Your words are very meaningful to me today.
Yes, I’m always working on my inner self and those virtues that make life better.
Thank you for sharing them!
HUGS!!! š
I’m glad to see you blogging again (here). Intention is so very important.
This is a well-written clear statement of the principles of Stoic philosophy as put forth by Epictetus – It is sometimes very hard to determine that which you can control and that which you cannot. Epictetus, who was a slave, had little or no control over his life except his attitude toward his condition. The emperor Marcus Aurelius had much the same problem – his life as he saw it was controlled by his responsibilities to Rome. Stoicism was an interesting philosophy -one that appealed to both an emperor and a slave – perhaps what they had in common was intellect.
I am a firm believer in working on myself. I am one of the few things I can change.