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The Stoics used a technique called “Premeditation of Adversity.” 

By reflecting on the possible misfortunes that await us, we benefit in three ways: 

1. We are more prepared and therefore protect ourselves against misfortune 
2. We practice virtue in the face of misfortune so it affects us less 
3. We become more grateful because that misfortune is not here yet 

In today’s meditation, we imagine an apocalyptic scene to help us focus on our most important life values. 

Many of us waste time because we fall prey to the faulty belief that we will live forever. 

By reflecting on the shortness of life, we can gain motivation and gratitude to steer our lives in much more fruitful directions.

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In today’s audio lesson I read out and reflect on the following quote by Seneca: 

“This is the touchstone of such a spirit; no prizefighter can go with high spirits into the strife if he has never been beaten black and blue; the only contestant who can confidently enter the lists is the man who has seen his own blood, who has felt his teeth rattle beneath his opponent's fist, who has been tripped and felt the full force of his adversary's charge, who has been downed in body but not in spirit, one who, as often as he falls, rises again with greater defiance than ever.”

Make sure to click the “play button” to listen to why I find this quote so meaningful, and why if applied to your own life, can radically transform it.

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In Chapter 4 of the Enchiridion, Epictetus shows us the three-step process for making plans.

In this audio lesson, I elaborate on that process and guide you through it. 

This is an extremely powerful exercise, but the power comes from actually practicing it as with any powerful exercise.

So make a commitment to start running through this process every time you make a plan.

With enough practice, this process will become an automatic habit you do whenever you make plans, and that’s when the magic happens.

Read this Stoic breakdown to go along with this episode: https://www.stoichandbook.co/how-to-plan-your-day/

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The first chapter of Epictetus’ handbook deals with what’s called “The Dichotomy of Control.” 

In this meditation, I guide you through a mental training exercise that will help you practice integrating this Stoic principle. 

The benefits of this training cannot be understated. 

Although simple, Epictetus says that by using The Dichotomy of Control in your life, you can expect the following benefits:

• You will feel liberated and free.
• You will not have any hatred or resentment in your heart.
• Every single thing you do will be chosen by you.
• Nobody will have the power to hurt you.

Use this meditation and re-read my breakdown on the first chapter of Epictetus’ handbook here. 

Try as best you can to make this way of seeing the world an automatic habit.

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Death is an inevitable, natural event that is neither intrinsically good nor bad. But many of us carry around a judgment about this event that causes us great anxiety.

If you can train your mind to become accepting of death, you can live life with more urgency, focus only on what is essential, and all other “smaller” anxieties will fall away opening up space for joy, compassion, and awareness. 

As Sam Harris said: 

“Consider it: every person you have ever met, every person will suffer the loss of his friends and family. All are going to lose everything they love in this world. Why would one want to be anything but kind to them in the meantime?”

The key is to truly grasp the implications of this statement on an emotional level. 

Practice this contemplation regularly—for as long as there is strong death anxiety, there is work to be done.

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