As a coach and self-improvement junkie of sorts, I compulsively consume content. And yet, so much of it doesn’t resonate. “Meh,” I think to this line of thinking or that. “Okay, but…” I challenge as we’re directed to affirm to achieve. “You are destined for greatness – we all are,” they say. And yet … really? No. That doesn’t feel right.
What does feel right, however, is the musings of a Roman Emperor from nearly 2,000 years ago.
So, I’m either antiquated in my thoughts, or this long-dead dude – Marcus Aurelius – was onto something. His bite-sized seemingly random chunks of wisdom intended for himself alone are exactly the type of truths we need today.
A student of stoic philosophy – which Marcus revered religiously – Meditations give modern-day readers a dose of tough love through words intended to bring Marcus himself clarity; advice that was, in fact, never intended for anyone else but him.
In its 170 pages of wisdom, Marcus provides intimate insights into everything – from how to cope with anger, desire and pain to how to master mindfulness. And there’s a reoccurring theme in his teachings: the choice is yours. It’s always yours.
This book is profoundly grounding. So much so that I plucked some of its most poignant points and organized them according to their teaching and meanings. Most of the insights selected are word-for-word. Others are paraphrased. And, like Marcus originally intended, this advice is aspirational in its teaching and intended for one … and perhaps, now, for you, too.
Get over yourself and 15 other timeless truths from Marcus Aurelius
A good life is a simple application of mind over matter. You can control how you are affected by everything – it’s a choice every time. If you can liberate your mind from what other people do and say, of what you’ve said or done, of the things that you’re afraid will happen, you will find peace.
What is outside your mind means nothing to it. When you fail to control your mind and your thoughts, remind yourself that this thought is destructive to you and others.
Everywhere, at each moment, you have the option: To accept this event with humility, to treat this person as he should be treated, and to approach this thought with care so that nothing irrational creeps in.
If you can control your thoughts, you can’t be troubled. Absorb that lesson and your feet stand firm. It’s foolish to focus on the thoughts swirling about in someone else’s mind.
When you feel pain, see that it doesn’t disgrace you. And blame no one.
Pain is endurable and time-limited – but only if you don’t magnify it in your imagination. Remember, you don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.
Anger originates not from what people do or say – that’s on them – but on how we interpret that action. Be willing to give up thinking of this as a catastrophe … and your anger is gone.
Don’t let other people’s behaviour affect yours – be indifferent, be tolerant, be patient and cheerful.
It’s not what’s done to us but what we do that matters.
To be hurtful and to do harm is to hurt yourself – it degrades you. And anger does much more damage than the things that causes it.
Move from analysis to indifference. Always seek indifference for what makes no difference, which is most things.
Your impulses must be moderated. Remember that real human strength is in courtesy and kindness.
Ambition means tying your wellbeing to what other people say or do. Self-indulgence means tying it to the things that happen to you. Sanity means tying it to your own actions. Do what’s up to you; do not be passively controlled by others like a slave or beggar.
Our own worth is measured by what we devote our energy to. Pay attention and resolve to live up to your own expectations. In everything. And focus on your own divinity – the only opinion of you that truly matters is your own.
Kindness is invincible.
Of course, everyone that reads Meditations will take something different from it. So, my advice is this: just read it and learn for yourself why its wisdom has transcended time.
It will change you.
As a life-long learner and avid reader, I make it my business to consume knowledge for your benefit. Each client that works with me receives customized resource referral to readings and videos based on their unique needs. If this sounds like something that might benefit you, let’s chat.