Life Comes At You Fast (Pt III) | Don't Be Inspired, Be Inspirational

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.

In 'Phosphorescence', Julia Baird delves into the concept of finding and nurturing an inner light that sustains us through life's darkest moments. The book is a hybrid of memoir, essays, and personal reflections, drawing from Baird's experiences with cancer, her connections with nature, and her observations of various individuals who embody this 'phosphorescence'. Baird discusses the importance of awe, wonder, silence, and the healing effects of nature, such as ocean swimming and forest bathing. She also emphasizes the value of friendships, social connections, and the acceptance of failure and imperfection. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of how to find meaning and joy in a world filled with challenges.