Resources
What is Stoicism?
“It’s a philosophy designed to make us more resilient, happier, more virtuous and more wise–and as a result, better people, better parents and better professionals.” ~Ryan Holiday
Have you ever been on your way to an appointment and got stuck in traffic? I’m guessing yes. What is your go-to reaction when things do not go as you planned? Anger, frustration, why me?
Stoicism is an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded at Athens by Zeno of Citium around 304 BC. Many hear the word stoic and think it means someone that doesn’t show emotion. This is not Stoicism. Stoicism was created to guide all people to navigate life with rational, connected thought and a belief that our world is connected in a way bigger than ourselves. You learn to release your need to control. You engage in life as it comes. And you let your ego be devoted to something greater than yourself.
So back to the traffic…Stoicism takes the wheel and says, “Ok, there is nothing I can do about this but I can control how I respond. First, I’m going to breathe in and breathe out, then I’m going to call my appointment and let them know my situation, then I’m going to _____ (fill in the blank with what makes you happy: listen to music, call a friend, listen to a podcast, etc).
Isn’t that so much more fun than road rage?
What is Yoga?
I believe that yoga is a way of living. Similar to Stoicism, yoga is a way to approach life through a different lens. It extends far beyond the postures to an awareness of why you are here. The teachings of yoga are a practical, step-by-step methodology that bring understanding to your experience and also guide you to the next experience. Like a compass, yoga philosophy tells you where you are and how to navigate to the next chapter.
The first and most important book ever written about yoga is The Yoga Sutra. It was composed by the Indian master Patanjali about two thousand years ago. Many incredible ideas of how to lead your best life are shared in this book. In addition, yoga philosophy stems from the Yamas and Niyamas. They are guidelines to live a life of joy and purpose. I will weave many of these ideas into the Daily JAM.
As I often end my yoga class with, “Let the yoga not be just what you do, but who you are.”