Lecture Notes: Stoic Practices for the New Year

Introduction

• Marcus Aurelius was a powerful but not perfect individual.
• Experienced struggles similar to everyone.
• Stressed the importance of rediscovering beliefs and recommiting to philosophy.

New Year, New Beginnings

• Opportunity to start fresh and return to our potential.
• Seneca practiced a metaphorical cleansing at the year's start.
• Daily Stoic: 21 days of Stoic-inspired challenges for a new beginning.

Physical Rigorousness

• Stoics emphasized physical activity for mental toughness.
• Examples: Socrates was a soldier; Marcus Aurelius wrestled; Seneca took cold plunges.
• Physical practice builds mental strength and endurance.

Seeking Help

• Marcus Aurelius: Nothing shameful in asking for help.
• Asking for help is refusing to give up.
• Important to find guidance and insight from others.

Reading with Intention

• Focus not on the quantity of books but the quality and intention.
• Seneca advised spending time on works of master thinkers.
• Be intentional with reading choices.

Importance of Sleep

• Quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental recovery.
• Personal endorsement of Eight Sleep Pod for better sleep quality.

Walking and Meditation

• Walking is beneficial for physical and mental health.
• Seneca: Outdoor walks nourish and refresh the mind.
• Walking as a form of meditation.

Concentration and Focus

• Marcus Aurelius emphasized concentration.
• Cultivate the ability to concentrate and focus despite distractions.
• Seneca: Peace is achieved when external noise doesn't disturb.

Freedom from Addiction

• Stoicism encourages freeing oneself from mental and physical slavery.
• Be aware of dependencies and work to overcome them.

Avoiding Perfectionism

• Perfectionism can lead to paralysis and prevent progress.
• Focus on improvement, not perfection.
• Courage to finish and move forward.

Choosing a Guiding Word

• Pick a word to guide decisions and actions throughout the year.
• Examples: patience, steadfastness, resilience, discipline.
• Make it a central focus and reminder.

Taking Action Now

• Procrastination is a common habit that prevents progress.
• Demand the best of yourself now, not later.
• Success is a result of good actions taken consistently.

Conclusion

• Do not delay actions; start implementing these principles immediately.