Life

You want happiness, so do not cling to Him, Her, or It.

Morning Talk on Letting Go

It’s 4 am in the morning. As I sit here, just thinking about the complexities of life in the 21st century, it is easy for me to feel overwhelmed by the continuous influx of external forces that shape our well-being. It can be quite difficult for any person living on earth during happiness that depends on external factors to remember what is significant.

I read frequently on various topics such as philosophy, self-help, history, etc., to help ease this overwhelming feeling. However, one of those resources stands out for me the best “Epictetus’ wisdom”. Epictetus offers an ageless prescription for this — a philosophy that can lead us to reach contentment and peace within ourselves regardless of our surroundings.

Epictetus was a philosopher of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD who left behind a vast amount of teachings such as “Discourses” and “Enchiridion.” His philosophy is grounded on the concept of the dichotomy of control that separates what we can control from what we cannot. By focusing exclusively on the former or rejecting attachment to the latter, one may achieve tranquility in life.

Yes, it is possible. I mean, it needs some work, maybe lots of work. It is not easy to apply Epictetus’s teachings to our lives. I tried it, and my success was limited. I think we are so addicted to the happiness we get externally, and to pull ourselves apart from them would need so much work and quite a long time. Patience and consistency are key here.

Epictetus held that much of our distress arises out of self-imposed problems connected with things beyond our control. In his view if we would invest ourselves into things like actions intentions and responses which are subject to change then we will become empowered. The fixation on uncontrollable aspects such as material possessions, opinions or specific results only leads to disappointment and frustrations.

Understanding and accepting impermanence is one important aspect of his teachings (Stoicism). Thus he advised his followers who ought to take it as a banquet where they enjoy without holding anything dear. This realization makes us know in depth that anything experienced or possessed by us does not last thus allowing us live with realities without desiring those things that do not belong to us like wealth among others.

Another crucial aspect touched upon by Epictetus involves how people relate with others. He warned against attaching too much importance on persons or perpetually seeking authority thereby causing emotional disturbances. Instead he proposed treating relationships and power as loans not owned thereby promoting healthy detachment. This position is not one of apathy but a logical equilibrium of caring where emotional involvement does not overwhelm in anticipation for loss and change.

Epictetus’ teachings are particularly relevant in today’s social media age where people constantly seek approval, acceptance, and validation. He believed that our peace will only be realized through self-examination and deeds rather than others acceptance. Stoicism makes us to prioritize our own judgment rather than external endorsements since it teaches us how to disregard both criticism and praise thus enabling us to find peace within ourselves.

Epictetus also spoke about the futility of being attached to specific outcomes or fixed ideas. He observed that life was itself unpredictable, often beyond human control. Inner peace can still be maintained, regardless of what happens by accepting this fact and concentrating on what we do about it. For example, dealing with people who behave offensively towards you, Epictetus insists on focusing on your own behavior instead of trying to control or censor them. This underscores the importance of individual accountability as well as acknowledging the limitations associated with humanness.

Mastering our responses is at the back of Epictetus’ philosophy. In his opinion, our reactions, views, and emotions are within our control. Impregnable to external impressions, we may be if these “internal materials” are monitored carefully by us. The root for being resilient and happy is an internal locus of control that gives a person a feeling of freedom. It aids in maintaining composure and consistency when things get tough.

To sum it up, Epictetus presents a way out on how to live happily and with tranquility. When we grasp and apply the distinction between what we can and cannot control, then we will be able to recognize the essentiality in which we should prioritize — our actions or responses.

Stoicism does not advocate devoid of any emotions or relationships but instead encourages temperate engagement with life. Thus making it is a way for all people to develop inner strength against problems like self-dependence so as not have happiness dictated by external influences but by their well-thought-out choices and acts.

Epictetus ideas were way more than just philosophical reflections; they give practical advice that is as applicable nowadays as it was before, even in this complicated world that we live in presently. I know we are all grappling with the challenges of current time, so much to look for, and huge amount of details, that’s why we should act, we should do something. Let’s adopt dichotomy of control, embrace impermanence of life, establish good relationships with others, believe in ourselves only and regard what happens inside us rather than what comes from outside these mental activities. By so doing one finds peace amidst chaos thus starting his/her journey towards having a fulfilled meaningful life.

Author’s Note

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