I’m back into stoicism again after rereading Seneca and after picking up the so far excellent book, ‘Stoicism and the Art of Happiness’. But this time around I’m not settling with only theory. I want to try some actual Stoic exercises, or more precisely; Voluntary Discomfort.
Why would the Stoics voluntarily put themselves in uncomfortable situations? Well, to develop appreciation and gratitude for what I already have and prepare for future adversity.
Here are some things a stoic practitioner could do:
❗️Underdress for cold weather.
❗️Forgo pleasures such a passing of a glass of wine of watching you favorite show.
❗️Sleep on the floor instead of the bed.
❗️Eat only plain foods and drink only water for a week.
❗️Emulate poverty by dressing in shabby clothes and sleep under a bridge.
❗️Not drink anything for a day.
❗️Reading the comments on articles and videos on the internet to elicit anger and practice equanimity (found this one on Reddit 👍🏻)
❗️ Sleep without a pillow.
You get the idea: Get yourself more uncomfortable than you’d usually be. It’ll make you stronger. You’ll appreciate what you have and eliminate irrational fears.
Or at least that’s the theory. Now I’m going to try it myself for a month or so. See my Instagram Stories for weekly updates! Or wait for my Lab Report . 😀🔬
What experiments are you conducting in your life? 🤔
Reading the comments on articles and videos on the internet to elicit anger and practice equanimity
LOL! That… ha ha… is definitely opening the maws of hell right there.
Nice post!
Haha! Exactly!