In the whirlwind of life, stress often becomes an unwelcome companion. Our minds incessantly grapple with illusions of control, and overthinking and rumination only add to the mental turmoil. In many cases, our tenacious grip on things serves no purpose other than depleting our energy and causing mental and physical anguish. However, the wisdom of Stoic philosophy provides invaluable guidance on the art of letting go. In this article, we will explore three Stoic ways of letting go and finding serenity amidst life’s chaos.
The Power of Indifferents
Stoic ethics introduces a distinctive categorization of values: virtue, vice, and what they aptly term ‘indifferents.’ The indifferents encompass anything that doesn’t fall into the realm of virtue or vice. These indifferents neither guarantee misery nor ensure happiness, hence the term ‘indifference.’
Among the indifferents, some hold a peculiar allure—preferred indifferents. These are the very elements that often consume our pursuits and desires. Wealth, reputation, material possessions—all these preferred indifferents captivate us, despite Epictetus’ reminders that they lie beyond our control.
Seneca, in his letter to Lucilius, offers profound insights on this matter. He astutely observes that surrendering oneself to the whims of fortune leads to a web of perpetual restlessness, a trap from which escape seems impossible. The path to salvation, Seneca contends, lies in despising externals and finding contentment in the honorable.
This insight begs us to question our relentless pursuit of preferred indifferents. Are they truly worth the anxiety and exertion they demand? Stoicism encourages us to loosen our grip on these ephemeral desires, reassuring us that our happiness remains intact even without their attainment. It’s a calming thought that offers solace in letting go.
Embracing Impermanence
The world operates on an eternal cycle of change and impermanence. Life’s ebb and flow, the rise and fall of empires, and the eventual demise of our planet—all testify to the inexorable march of change. In light of this, tethering ourselves emotionally to the transient world around us seems irrational.
Preferred indifferents, those alluring aspects of life, fail to provide lasting satisfaction and possess a fleeting existence themselves. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and emperor, eloquently reminds us of the ever-changing nature of the world. He likens life to a river, offering no stable ground for attachment.
In his words, “We find ourselves in a river. Which of the things around us should we value when none of them can offer a firm foothold? Like an attachment to a sparrow: we glimpse it and it’s gone.” This poignant analogy urges us to reconsider the wisdom of clinging to that which is in constant flux.
Dwelling in the Present
A significant part of the human predicament lies in our preoccupation with the past and the future. It’s natural to draw lessons from our history and to plan for what lies ahead. Yet, some individuals dwell so intensely on what’s behind or what’s yet to come that they forget to live in the moment.
Marcus Aurelius, again, recognized this human tendency. He aptly notes, “The present is the same for everyone; its loss is the same for everyone; and it should be clear that a brief instant is all that is lost. You can’t lose the past or the future; how could you lose what you don’t have?”
Letting go, in this context, involves releasing our mental attachments to the past and the future. Thoughts, as the Stoics would have it, are constructs of the mind and do not represent the objective reality. They are mere illusions, fantasies, and calculations.
While rational thinking is a gift that sets humans apart, it’s crucial that we employ this tool wisely. Stoicism teaches us to harness our thoughts rather than letting them dominate our lives. By letting go of what we don’t truly possess—thoughts of the past and the future—we can fully embrace the present moment and find solace in the here and now.
Conclusion
Stoicism, with its ancient wisdom, offers profound insights into the art of letting go. By understanding the power of indifferents, embracing impermanence, and dwelling in the present moment, we can navigate life’s complexities with serenity. Letting go is not a surrender but a liberation—a path to inner peace in a world of constant change and uncertainty.