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Even after years of practice, I still fail
Manage episode 486775738 series 3349193
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
353 episodes
Manage episode 486775738 series 3349193
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
353 episodes
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