We have several phrases that we use to express our trepidation for the future. "Our hopes were dashed to pieces." "My greatest fears have been realized." This kind of thinking has been part of the human experience for millenia (See Job 3:25). What many don't realize is that our fears are in fact tied to our hopes. In this passage, Seneca explains the connection between the two, and how to overcome both.
Reflection
When did you last lose hope in a situation? Was it something you desired? Something you were hoping to avoid or attain? Try to remember the situation leading up to the disappointment.
Read from Seneca's 5th Letter, v7-9
Exploration
Application
In this passage, Seneca highlights two of the key Stoic principles, 'Mindfulness' and 'Reservation.' Reservation is the belief that depsite all our preparations, events may in fact turn out in ways we don't expect. Mindfullness is taking full stock of the present, of how things are right now, and appreciating and adapting to them. When we are fully addapted to the present, we are better able to use foresight to direct our activities towards preferred ends.
Realization
In your journal, select one event from the day that did not go 'according to plan'. How did you feel about the outcome? What did you do as a result? As a second exercise, be Mindful of the facts currently surrounding this situation. List them in your jounal.