New Series on Psychological Stoicism

Introducing a philosophy of living that connected with me in a way that my work and practice in psychological theories and therapies didn’t.

You can hear an audio version of this post by clicking here.

In the autumn of 2013, I walked my dog, Rocket, through a deserted wooded area. He was a young, fit adolescent then, and I had to focus my attention on him—pulling him back from going off in multiple directions as various scents and sights caught his attention. As he's gotten older (84 in dog years), he now prefers an amble through the woods, and I occasionally have to stop to allow him a few moments to rest his legs and sniff around.

However, back in 2013, I became aware of the normally quiet Rocket barking at me, waking me up from a reverent state. I realised I had been standing motionless for several minutes, lost in the revelations of the first five minutes of a book I was listening to.

The book was ‘A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy’ by William B Irvine. I had only downloaded it because it was Audible’s ‘Deal of the Day.’ I remember it vividly as I felt the book’s philosophy of life connected with me in a way that my work on several psychological theories and therapies didn’t.

Since then, I've studied stoicism and incorporated more stoic practices into my life. It complements several psychological practices crucial to my well-being. Stoic strategies have proven both popular and effective in the public workshops and training sessions I conduct.

My attention is focused not on stoic theory, but on the practices. The principles I use encourage participants to live a good life and provide them with psychological tools to help manage difficult emotions and embrace positive emotions. I’ve modified stoic tools to include the insights I’ve gained from psychological practices derived from recent research in neuroscience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and mindfulness.

Changing stoic tools can be controversial among stoic purists, but as stoicism teaches, we all have the right to form our own opinions. I am confident that many of the ancient stoics would have embraced recent psychological advances to complement their own theories and practices. The principles I’ll be covering in the series are reminders to myself of the key practices that have had the most impact on me.

In the beginning, practising stoicism is like learning how to drive—it takes a lot of deliberate and conscious thought. However, as you continue, it becomes more automatic, and you find yourself responding to life's challenges using stoic principles. In recent times, the term ‘Stoicism’ has been associated more with the bottling up of emotions and repressed feelings. However, those who originally practised Stoicism used it to get the most out of life, build good and loving relationships, and help their communities thrive. They knew that life was sometimes difficult and painful, but they used Stoicism to react neutrally, or even positively to the curve balls that were thrown at them. This meant that they were often able to face life head-on and without fear, whatever their circumstances.

Over the next ten weeks, I will publish a series of posts introducing what I have found to be the most impactful practices in psychological stoicism. These practices help us get the most out of life and navigate through its most difficult and darkest periods. The posts are not intended to be an in-depth course on stoic theory and practice, but mini strategies that can help you maintain tranquillity and point you in the right direction in times of stress and difficulty. The full psychological stoicism series will also be available for free on Soundcloud.

For a more in-depth introduction to Stoicism and Stoic practice, I would recommend the following books:

A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine

Reasons Not to Worry: How to be Stoic in chaotic times by Brigid Delaney

Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius by Ryan Holiday

How To Be A Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living by Massimo Pigliucci

Rocket Then

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