Dwayne Johnson - He’s one of Hollywood’s highest paid actors, but “The Rock” recently opened up about depression to the Express, a British newspaper. “Struggle and pain is real,” said Johnson, who saved his mother from a suicide attempt when he was 15. “Depression never discriminates,” he tweeted later. “Took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You’re not alone.”

The Daily Stoic for December 27th, “Don’t Let Your Soul Go First”.

“It’s a disgrace in this life when the soul surrenders first while the body refuses to.”

—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 6.29

Do you run? If you do, you probably know that the mind -especially at the beginning- is weaker than the body. When you are running, it gets to a point, sooner or later, when you start feeling tired and your mind begs you to stop.

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What does the bible say?

Psalm 42

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

sources:

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/dwayne-rock-johnson-shares-struggles-depression/story?id=99320228

https://micropreneur.life/dont-let-your-soul-go-first/

https://www.bible.com/bible/1/PSA.30.KJV

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Marcus Aurelius Agree it"s: ‘Unrealistic’ humans alone in universe “Think of the whole universe of matter and how small your share. Think about the expanse of time and how brief—almost momentary—the part marked for you. Think of the workings of fate and how infinitesimal your role.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.24

More than half of all Americans believe intelligent life exists on other planets, according to NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ polling, and you can count astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson among them.

Tyson said Monday on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” it would be “unrealistic” to “demand of the universe that we are alone.”

“I can tell you that I wouldn’t be terrified if the universe were filled with life. I mean, that’d be great. We’re here. That would be just fine,” Tyson said. “Let’s learn more about them.”

Episode 15: What comes to us all

A simple way to measure our days

Daily Stoic and Prayer

"It's Just A Number" is a meditation from Daily Stoic that discusses age and how something as insignificant as an artificial construct can have such a great power on us. The meditation says, "You aren't bothered, are you, because you weigh a certain amount and not twice as much? So why get worked up that you've been given a certain lifespan and not more? Just as you are satisfied with your normal weight, so you should be with the time you've been given".

In the contemplative realms of The Daily Stoic for December 12th, titled "The Beat Goes On," Marcus Aurelius implores us to traverse the vast corridor of history, observing the ebb and flow of empires and kingdoms through the ages. He encourages us to envision the future, recognizing that it too will adhere to the unyielding rhythm of the present. This stoic reflection prompts the question: "What more is there to see?"

Recently, during my travels, my gaze alighted upon an ancient edifice, likely hailing from the 15th century or even earlier. In proximity stood a starkly contrasting ultra-modern structure, adorned with crystal walls and contemporary flair. The aged building, though weathered and almost in ruins, exuded an indomitable spirit, as if challenging its sleek, modern counterpart to endure the passage of centuries as it had.

This juxtaposition sparked a reverie within me—a lucid journey of the mind. As I observed the denizens of the city bustling around me, their movements appeared accelerated, forming blurred streaks like rapid strokes on a canvas. Years seemed to whiz by, seamlessly replaced by new faces filling the void left by those departed. The landscape transformed ceaselessly, with buildings rising and succumbing to the inexorable march of time.

This familiar sensation, tinged with feelings of smallness, solitude, and melancholy, often accompanied reflections on mortality and the brevity of life. A stark acknowledgment of my own age and the finite time remaining on this earthly journey, perhaps a mere three decades or even less.

Yet, this time, a perceptible shift occurred in my perspective. Rather than perceiving the rhythm of existence as inherently unfair, despondent, or gloomy, I recognized it as an intrinsic aspect of the cosmic symphony. All things must traverse the corridor of transience, and we, akin to a fleeting breeze in the vast ocean of eternity, are no exception. Instead of inducing despondency, this realization should serve as a catalyst for embracing the present, savoring life's moments, no matter how fleeting, each day.

In essence, today's Daily Stoic, "The Beat Goes On," serves as a poignant reminder that our lives are but ephemeral droplets in the vast sea of time. It underscores the inevitability of empires rising and falling, cultures flourishing and fading away—a testament to the transient nature of our existence. Rather than succumbing to despondency, this stoic insight encourages us to approach life with a positive mindset, appreciating the brevity of our moments in the grand tapestry of eternity.

The Daily Stoic reflection for December 11th revolves around the theme of "Dignity and Bravery," drawing on a quote from Cicero that explores society's contrasting views on individuals who prioritize self-preservation versus those who exhibit contempt for their own lives. The essence of this reflection urges a contemplation on personal courage and dignity, prompting the author to reflect on their own stance on bravery and the inherent challenges in defining such virtues.

The author initially grapples with the idea of being brave and dignified, expressing uncertainty about their own categorization. They acknowledge that most individuals do not readily label themselves as cowards and may rationalize their actions in a way that silences any inner doubts. This introspection sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the complex interplay between self-preservation instincts and societal perceptions of courage.

To illustrate the tension between instinct and bravery, the author recounts a harrowing moment before the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. People, faced with the impending disaster, had a choice—some, driven by self-preservation, fled from the approaching wave, while others, almost inexplicably, stood watching it unfold. The author acknowledges the role of self-preservation instinct in such situations, challenging the societal stigma attached to the label of cowardice.

The crux of the author's argument lies in the assertion that bravery and dignity are not conscious choices but emerge in the face of daunting circumstances. The author rejects the conventional notion that individuals can pre-determine their heroism or cowardice, emphasizing that true character is revealed only when confronted with adversity. This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that often glorifies heroism without acknowledging the unpredictable nature of human reactions to crisis.

A critical stance is taken towards the American cultural obsession with heroes, as the author finds fault in the common tendency to label individuals as heroes or cowards based on specific actions. The overuse of the term "hero" is scrutinized, and the author questions the validity of such labels, suggesting that heroism is not a premeditated choice but a response to unforeseen challenges.

In conclusion, the author rejects the premise of the Daily Stoic reflection, asserting that bravery and dignity cannot be predetermined or chosen until one is confronted with adversity. The critique extends to societal tendencies to hastily judge others as heroes or cowards, with a call for greater understanding of the unpredictable nature of human responses to challenging situations. The reflection ultimately challenges preconceived notions about courage and highlights the nuanced, context-dependent nature of these virtues.

"It is wiser to overcome grief than to deceive oneself about it."

—SENECA, ON CONSOLATION TO HELVIA, 17.1b

On my journey with stoicism, a major concern of mine has been its perceived suppression of emotions. However, I've come to realize the fallacy in many of my preconceived notions about stoicism.

Embrace Your Emotions

Feelings, in particular, stood out. While reading the Daily Stoic, it seemed to me that stoicism advocated neglecting emotions in favor of reason—a notion I strongly disagreed with.

Contrary to my initial impression, stoicism doesn't endorse hiding or evading emotions. Instead, it encourages facing them, processing them, and then moving forward.

It's acceptable to experience grief, pain, or sadness—even though we should strive to find the positive aspects. Similarly, it's fine to feel happiness, lust, or fury, as long as you rationalize, acknowledge those feelings, and then continue with your life. Don't let them engulf you.

Have you ever watched "Six Feet Under" or any other show featuring a morgue? I've always found the American practice of dressing up and applying makeup to a deceased person's body for display in a conference-like room rather peculiar. While we do have funeral arrangements and wakes, ours are more concise.

Regardless of the cultural approach, there's a universal acknowledgment that saying goodbye is a necessary moment. Today's stoic passage emphasizes this importance. No one should divert our attention. Instead, we must confront the pain and grief, accepting it and looking it in the eye. I concur.

In conclusion, today's Daily Stoic, "Embrace Your Emotions," is a recommended read for those who, like myself in the past, dismiss stoicism as lacking empathy and emotional depth.

Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, implores us to view our past life as concluded, embracing what remains as a bonus granted by fate. He encourages us to love the hand destiny has dealt us and play it as if it were our own.