Stoicism and Daily Practices for Order

Importance of Order and Routine

• Disorganization is the opposite of the stoic philosophy.
• Stoics valued routines, standards, habits, and practices.
• Seneca emphasized a designed life, avoiding erratic existence.
• Order in trivial life aspects frees up resources for meaningful activities.

Daily Stoic Practices

Winning the Morning

• Marcus Aurelius emphasized starting the day early.
  • Engage in work early, when energy is at its peak.
• Avoid "huddling under blankets" and complacency.
• Key quote: "Winning the morning is key to winning the day".

Journaling

• Marcus Aurelius's meditations were essentially journaling.
• Journaling offers space for reflection and clarity of thought.
• Practiced by various historical figures: Oscar Wilde, Queen Victoria, Kafka, etc.
• Seneca: Reflect on the day in the evening for better sleep.
• Benefits:
  • Reflect on personal growth and weaknesses.
  • Ask oneself tough questions for self-improvement.

Reading

• Zeno's prophecy of conversing with the dead through books.
• Reading is a conversation with past wisdom.
• Seneca: Linger on works of master thinkers.
• Reading is not just for knowledge, but for application in life.

Physical Rigour

• Stoics were active, not just intellectual.
• Socrates known for physical toughness.
• Activities like wrestling, endurance exercises were common.
• Roosevelt embraced a strenuous life influenced by stoic teachings.
• Stoic practice included enduring discomfort and training the body.

Philosophical Principles

Avoiding Procrastination

• Seneca: Fools are always getting ready to live.
• Procrastination is the biggest waste of life.
• Focus on doing important tasks now.

Essentialism

• Marcus Aurelius: "If you seek tranquility, do less."
• Eliminate the inessential to do essential tasks better.
• Cultivate the power to say no.

Creating Order

• Gretchen Rubin: "Outer order, inner calm."
• Importance of organizing one's environment for clarity.

Boundaries

• Boundaries protect from external chaos and maintain focus.
• Marcus Aurelius: Be aware of negative external influences.
• Maintain personal space and privacy.

Adaptability

• Stoics were not rigid; adaptability is key.
• Embrace change and be flexible.
• Epictetus: Develop adaptability to circumstances.

Awareness of Life's Shortness

• Marcus Aurelius: "You could leave life right now."
• Seneca: Life’s moments are fleeting; act with urgency.
• Remember mortality and let it guide daily actions.

Conclusion

• Stoic practices and philosophies provide a framework for a structured, meaningful life.
• Incorporating daily habits, focus on essential tasks and philosophical principles can lead to personal growth and tranquility.