In my last Mantra101.blog post, I touched upon the contents of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and introduced that the book improved my daily efficiency and mental health. In this Mantra101.blog post, we will look into the key lessons of Meditations, and how you could reasonably implement them in your day to day life.

1. Acceptance of What You Cannot Control: One of the central tenets of “Meditations” is the focus on distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not. Aurelius emphasizes accepting external events as they occur, reducing anxiety over uncontrollable circumstances.
2. Living in the Present Moment: Aurelius advises focusing on the present, warning against the mental burdens of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This practice aligns closely with modern mindfulness techniques, which are proven to reduce stress and improve mental health.
3. Perception is Key to Reality: Aurelius believed that our perceptions shape our reality. By reframing our thoughts and focusing on positive aspects, we can alter our emotional responses to challenges, fostering a healthier mental state.
4. The Power of Resilience: “Meditations” teaches resilience in the face of adversity. Aurelius’s life, filled with warfare and personal loss, serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, encouraging readers to find inner strength during tough times.
5. Practicing Gratitude: Aurelius frequently reflects on what he is grateful for, including lessons learned from others. Cultivating gratitude is now recognized as a powerful tool for improving mental health, increasing happiness, and reducing depression.
6. Empathy and Compassion: Despite his position as emperor, Aurelius emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion towards others. This approach can lead to better interpersonal relationships and a deeper sense of connection, both crucial for mental well-being.

How I Implemented Stoic Practices in my Daily Life

• Journaling: I started keeping a personal journal detailing how I have improved, what I could improve on, and what my plans were for the future. Journaling allowed me to briefly reflect, but not dwell, on my past and how I can improve for the present and future. I found that having goals and a loose vision of my plan for the future alleviated a lot of pressure and anxiety in my life.
• Transcendental Meditation: TM is a practice akin to being present in the moment, and is a practice that I have been practicing for a long time. However, after reading Meditations, I looked at the technique in a different way. Instead of looking at it as a way to just recharge energy, I also realized that Tm greatly cleared my headspace and calmed myself down. I focused on my breathing and heart rate rather than letting my thoughts wander, which I found to result in a much deeper state of transcendence.
• Focus on What You Can Control: This change was perhaps the most challenging for me personally, as it required as different mindset of thinking. However, by being able to replace anxious thoughts over things I couldn’t control, I tried to devote all of my mental capacity to what I could control and do in that present moment. I found that this greatly increased my efficiency and, similar to Aurelius’s approach to perception, I found that I was able to plan more efficiently and make better decisions.

Conclusion

Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” is more than an ancient text; it’s a guide to living a more fulfilled and mentally healthy life. By embracing its Stoic wisdom, we can learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience, improving our mental health in the process. As Aurelius himself wrote, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This powerful message echoes through the centuries, offering a beacon of hope and wisdom in our modern world.