April 30

Hopes and Fears

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

    • The direction to "cease to hope" can sound bleak if taken out of context. However, Seneca is careful to define what he means by the term 'hope'. What other term does he use that could be substituted throughought the passage?
    • What explanation does Seneca provide for our tendency 'fret about the future?' What is the alternative to 'hope' that we sacrifice as a result of having a 'mind in suspense'?
    • Why does Seneca bring up the past as another form of self imposed torment? What is the real cure to fear?

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.

    • Think of the plans you have today. What tools or equipment are you planning to use? What if they were no longer functioning as expected?
    • Consider all of the possible outcomes of one of the interaction you will be having today. How would you react to each outcome (keeping in mind the principle of Assent)? What if an unexpected outcome occurs?
    • Seneca states that it is 'memory of the tortures of fear' from our own past as well as the anticipation of disappointment that plague us in the present. Watch your reactions carefully today to see if any of them are based on past fear. Remind yourself to be Mindful, and react with Reservation.

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.