What Is The Function of Worry? | How Stoicism Can Help You Get Sober (And Stay Sober)
Aug 1, 2023
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Epictetus, an ancient Stoic philosopher, discusses the function of worry and the importance of self-awareness and discipline in addiction recovery. The podcast also explores self-reflection, serving others, the dichotomy of control, and finding true freedom beyond material success.
Worry is caused by our judgments, not external circumstances; practicing mindfulness can help us let go of unnecessary suffering.
Discipline, self-control, introspection, and helping others are crucial in battling addiction and maintaining sobriety according to Stoic teachings.
Deep dives
The Function of Worry and Judgments of Things
Worry is not caused by external circumstances but by our judgments of those circumstances. This idea is shared by not only the stoics but also other philosophical traditions such as Eastern philosophy. Mindfulness and awareness of the present moment can help us recognize that the problems we perceive are often delusions. By changing our judgments and letting go of worry, we can avoid unnecessary suffering.
Discipline, Sobriety, and Self-Control
The stoics emphasize discipline and self-control as crucial in battling addictions and maintaining sobriety. Rehab and recovery require deep introspection to understand the root triggers of our self-destructive behavior. Through discipline and structure, we can resist our addictive tendencies and make better choices. The stoics' focus on self-awareness and monitoring our emotions helps us recognize when we are vulnerable to relapse. Maintaining physical and emotional well-being, as well as finding purpose in helping others, are key aspects of stoic teachings in battling addiction.
Dichotomy of Control and Mastery of Self
The stoics teach that there are things within our control and things beyond our control. The key to a fulfilling life is discerning between the two and focusing our energy on what we can control. Addiction and excessive desires prevent us from being in command of ourselves. Stoicism embraces temperance and moderation, advocating for finding the right amount of things in our lives. By mastering ourselves, we can live with freedom, ensuring that our own actions and choices rule our lives, rather than being controlled by external forces.
One of the most timeless lines in all of the Stoic writings comes from Epictetus, "What upsets people is not things themselves, but their judgements about these things.”
It's a powerful idea. And it's made all the more transcendent by the remarkable fact that nearly every other philosophy has come to the exact same conclusion.
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And in today's Daily Stoic video excerpt, Ryan presents clips from interviews in which his guests share applications of Stoic wisdom that have used to get sober and stay that way. You can watch the video on the Daily Stoic YouTube channel.