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Even after years of practice, I still fail

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Manage episode 486775738 series 3349193
Content provided by Evergreen Podcasts. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Evergreen Podcasts or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode, I share a personal story about nearly losing my temper on a train—a moment that reminded me, yet again, how far I am from sagehood and how important continuous attention (prosochē) is in Stoic practice. A long day in London, a rowdy group of teens, and a few minor annoyances were enough to push me near my breaking point. But in reflecting on the moment, I was reminded that even when we slip, our years of practice can still protect us from our worst impulses.

I share this story not just to vent, but to illustrate three key ideas: how quickly we can be carried away by impressions when we stop paying attention; how Stoic practice can lower the intensity of our worst moments over time; and how no one is immune to slipping—not even those who teach the philosophy to others. This episode is a reminder that the Stoic path requires vigilance, humility, and honest self-reflection.

NO MEDITATION CITED THIS EPISODE

THREE TAKEAWAYS
— The moment you stop paying attention, indifferents can run away with you.
— Stoic training builds internal safeguards that make even your worst moments better than they once were.
— Falling short is inevitable—but it’s also instructive and necessary for progress.

Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com.

Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book
Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far
Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube
Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

353 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 486775738 series 3349193
Content provided by Evergreen Podcasts. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Evergreen Podcasts or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode, I share a personal story about nearly losing my temper on a train—a moment that reminded me, yet again, how far I am from sagehood and how important continuous attention (prosochē) is in Stoic practice. A long day in London, a rowdy group of teens, and a few minor annoyances were enough to push me near my breaking point. But in reflecting on the moment, I was reminded that even when we slip, our years of practice can still protect us from our worst impulses.

I share this story not just to vent, but to illustrate three key ideas: how quickly we can be carried away by impressions when we stop paying attention; how Stoic practice can lower the intensity of our worst moments over time; and how no one is immune to slipping—not even those who teach the philosophy to others. This episode is a reminder that the Stoic path requires vigilance, humility, and honest self-reflection.

NO MEDITATION CITED THIS EPISODE

THREE TAKEAWAYS
— The moment you stop paying attention, indifferents can run away with you.
— Stoic training builds internal safeguards that make even your worst moments better than they once were.
— Falling short is inevitable—but it’s also instructive and necessary for progress.

Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com.

Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book
Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far
Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube
Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

353 episodes

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