We kick off our new series, The Path to Happiness with the Stoics, by exploring the absolute foundation of emotional freedom: the distinction between the internal and the external world.

So much of our daily exhaustion comes from carrying burdens that were never ours to hold—the unpredictable future, the actions of others, or the natural flow of events. Today, we invite a sense of deep relief into our meditation. We will practice drawing a gentle line in the sand, separating what we can influence from what we must simply witness. This isn't about giving up; it is about focusing your energy where it actually matters.

ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES

Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics."

Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics.

When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility).

This is day 1 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170.

Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice.

YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test"

This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response.

THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY

Day 1: Inner Joy Visualization

Day 2: Affirmation: "I am free."

Day 3: Happiness Breath

Day 4: Lotus mudra to open your heart

Day 5: Fourth Chakra for love and compassion

Day 6: Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques

Day 7: Weekly review meditation and closure

SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS

Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at [email protected] or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!

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All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to [email protected].

FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST

Each day's meditation techniques are shared at:

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• https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/

SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP

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All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to [email protected].Let go of repetitive negative thoughts.

The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig.

Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.