January 1
In the Morning...
In the coming year, we will be reading, reflecting and reacting to selections from the chief Stoic writers. We start this year with Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, possibly the only man to achieve the lofty title of Philosopher-King. In this reading, he reminds us of the impact of the choices of those around us, and through this we are reminded of the first Stoic principle: the autonomy of choice.
Reflection
Remember a time when you blamed another's behavior for your own choices. Who was in control of that situation? Who was in control of you? Was the outcome what you desired?
Read The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Book X, ¶13
Examination
Why does Marcus state categorically that it makes no difference if what another does is just and right?
What does Marcus mean when he says that they are as they are in their beds, and at their board?
What is the most 'precious part'?
Application
Examine your actions as you go through your day. Try to establish a line of causality, how one action led to a reaction, which in turn led to another, which ultimately led to your own reaction.
Try to see if there are value judgments built into your reactions. Ask yourself, "Does it matter [to my reaction] whether the actions that led to it were right and just?"
Autonomy of choice means that between action and reaction, there is a gap where choices can be made. In this gap, the Stoic can practice 'Assent', that is agreeing or disagreeing with the value judgement that is presented. Try to find the gaps before some of your reactions today, and examine the judgement built into them.
Realization
Begin this year by keeping a journal. In it, you can keep track of the events of the day, what you have learned throughout the day, and thoughts you have had that you may want to revisit later. You will also be using the journal daily to record your journey and the effect of the daily reflections on your life. For today, try to record an example of using the 'gap' to regain control of your ability to choose during the day.