I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.Psalm 32:8

Jesus Will Guide You

But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other.Matthew 5:39

God Said..

Be not therefore solicitous for to morrow, for the morrow will be solicitous for itself . Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof .Matthew 6:34

God Says..

The New International Version in a handy, affordable paperback edition.

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

books

Books

Bible English New International Version is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Bible English New International Version has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Bible English New International Version's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Bible English New International Version

International Bible Society Staff is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. International Bible Society Staff has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. International Bible Society Staff's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

International Bible Society Staff

Holy Bible

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.This book provides 70 incidents, paraphrased for the sake of conciseness, serve as a reminder of who the Prophet PBUH really was: a man of mercy and moral greatness who sought not the praise of this world, but its betterment through his example.

Introduction

The Prophet PBUH never stooped to reciprocating to insults, choosing not to respond at all.He would smile when he saw his companions refrain from responding to insults. However when his companions would speak up, the Prophet PBUH would leave.He taught us that when a person stoops to the level of those who insult, they allow the devil to steer their course.One of the core principals of Islam is to not allow our emotions and actions to be hijacked by the devil.

Let The Angels Respond

How to maintain our composure when angry:<ul><li>Change your physical position to less confrontational ones</li><li>Sit if you are standing, if that doesn't help then lay down</li><li>Perform ablution (the act of washing oneself)</li></ul>In anger, we tend to respond in prideful, satanic ways that serve nothing and no one but your own ego.

Methods For Seeking Refuge From The Devil

'An Angel was with you, responding on your behalf. But when you said back to him some of what he said, a devil arrived, and it is not for me to sit with devils.'

The Messenger of Allah PBUH did not retaliate or repeat back insults, he did not even let his wife respond harshly to those who insulted him.

Allah Loves Gentleness 

'O Aishah, be gentle! Indeed, Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness in all matters. Beware of being harsh and vulgar.'

After bleeding at the hands of the enemy, the Messenger of Allah PBUH still had the resilience of character to ask Allah to forgive them. He appealed to Allah with the prayer for forgiveness.Despite experiencing and witnessing torture, the Messenger of Allah PBUH maintained magnanimity.His normal response was to seek forgiveness for those who wronged him and his followers.

They Just Don't Know Any Better

'O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.'

There was a man who used to serve the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and was paid by members of his tribe to employ witchcraft against the Messenger of Allah PBUH.For 6 months, the Prophet PBUH was weakened and mentally fatigued by these incantations.Once the man performing the witchcraft was exposed, permission was sought to execute him. However the Prophet PBUH chose to forgive him for his evil as Allah had cured him and he did not wish to stir evil among the people.

Forgiving A Sorcerer

'And do not mind the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Ignore their harm and rely upon Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of your affairs.

Rumours spread that the Messenger of Allah PBUH's wife had committed adultery. After a month long ordeal of suspicion and tension, Allah finally revealed versus in Surah an-Nur exposing the ringleaders behind the lie, but this wasn't before some of the believers had begun to believe and circulate this unfounded story.One of the genuine believers of the Prophet PBUH had made the mistake of repeating this accusation. The Prophet PBUH ultimately forgave this man who slandered his wife and told his followers to not boycott him.

Do You Not Love That Allah Should Forgive You?

'Let not those among you who are virtuous and wealthy swear not to give to their kin and those in need. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful'

There was a man who plotted to kill the Prophet PBUH. Once he was caught captive, the Messenger of Allah PBUH remained hopeful that he would become Muslim and earn the forgiveness of Allah. This man recieved the utmost kindness and hospitality from the Messenger PBUH. Upon his release, he took a bath and entered the mosque to seek forgiveness and accept Islam. He explained that he disliked the Prophet PBUH more than any other face on the earth, but now he became the most beloved face to him.

A Powerful Prisoner

Once this man had accepted Islam, his whole tribe followed him in entering the fold of Islam.They boycotted the enemies and refused to send them any more grain, which the enemy heavily depended on. This sanction would have drained their strength.However the Messenger of Allah PBUH interceded, despite being at war with them, because of his concern for the innocent people behind enemy lines.The tribe responded to the Prophet PBUH instructions and resumed trade, saving the city that had itself boycotted the Prophet PBUH for so many years.

Sparing The Enemies Of Islam

'I heard that no matter how grave a persons crime against him, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH always chose forgiveness.'

There was a man who set out to harm the Prophet PBUH's daughter. He poked her camel with a spear until it threw her to the ground.She suffered a miscarriage in addition to serious injuries that severely affected her health and contributed to her death several years later.This was a painful blow for the Prophet PBUH to lose his first unborn grandchild and then his dear daughter.When the man who caused this unfortunate event came begging for exoneration, the Prophet of Mercy PBUH forgave him despite having the means and justification to take revenge.

His Daughters Persecutor

'I have not been sent as one who curses. Rather, I was sent as a mercy.'

How the Prophet Muhammad PBUH rose above enmity and insult

Exploring seventy incidents that serve as a reminder as to who the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم really was: a man of mercy and moral greatness who sought not the praise of this world, but its betterment through his example.

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

mentalhealth

Mental Health

communication

Communication

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

To delegitimize the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is to call into question the entire message. During his time, the Makkans called him a poet, a magician, and a madman, among other names. Today, he is insulted with other labels. The question of whether or not he sacrificed his principles in the pursuit of conveying his message successfully is one that requires an in-depth look

Mohammad Elshinawy

Omar Suleiman

The Prophet of Mercy

Set yourself a period of some days in which you will be content with very small amounts of food, and the cheapest kind, with coarse clothing, and say to yourself 'is this what I was afraid of?'

Discover What You Can Do Without

The Stoics greatly valued hardship, they routinely practiced poverty or put themselves through mild hardship.Benefits Of Self Imposed Hardship:

Why value hardship?

<ul><li>To discover what we can do without, and reduce the fear of losing these things.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To better reflect upon our true goals, or to work towards them.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To empathise with less fortunate people.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To be reminded that the simple things in life can be just as enjoyable and profitable.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To increase appreciation and enjoyment of the things that we normally enjoy.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To take a break from normal routine, and reinvigorate the mind while exercising and reinforcing our freedom.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To be prepared for future hardship, which is all but a certainty.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To understand that the greater part of our suffering lies not in fact, but in our attitude towards it.</li></ul>

<ul><li>To practice self discipline.</li></ul>

Do not lament (complain) about misfortune.Instead, rejoice that you are the sort of person who can undergo misfortune without letting it upset you.

If you want to have time for your mind, you must either be poor or resemble the poor.

Frugality is just voluntary poverty.

Why the Stoics greatly valued hardship 💫

Why the Stoics, like their ancestors the Cynics, greatly valued hardship.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

The Surprising Benefits of Self-Imposed Hardship

<ul>
<li>While negative thoughts create "limiting beliefs", and in turn prevent positive things from happening, positive thoughts - when focused on specific goals and outcomes - can make those things happen.</li>
<li>You are co-creating with the universe.</li>
<li>One key caveat: "You can only manifest in line with your higher purpose."</li>
<li>Silicon Valley tapped into millennial ennui by taking astrology into the app age. Subscriptions services such as Sanctuary boomed by billing themselves as an "Uber for astrological readings".</li>
<li>If you don't believe what you're saying, you're blocking it with negative thoughts.</li>
</ul>

Manifesting takes the idea of a positive mental attitude and runs with it

<ul><li>Most manifesting sessions end with palms pressed together in a prayer-like pose, though it's "the universe" we're told to give thanks to.</li><li>The idea is to look both at the thing we want to manifest and at ourselves from an outsider's perspective.</li><li>Part of manifestation involves looking at the positive side of everything.</li></ul>

Manifesting is religion without the altruism

It's clearly a growth subsection of a wellness market now said to be worth a staggering $1.5tr.<ul><li>Natalie Benmayor, the founder of the wellness jewelry label Capsule Eleven, launched her brand in the pandemic.</li><li>She had the idea for a company selling high-end "spiritual" jewelry items, which, she says, she subsequently manifested.</li><li>People did need it, they felt hopeless and manifesting became a way to take back control.</li><li>House of Roxy, a manifestation company, started selling do-it-yourself manifestation kits and began hosting professional sessions once lockdown ended.</li></ul>

The business of manifesting is tough to quantify

<ul><li>On YouTube, teen manifesters teach things like the “3-6-9” method.</li><li>on Instagram, they’ve taken to crowdsourcing - remarkably specific posts circulate saying things like “A huge check of $118,811 is about to land in your hand tomorrow! Type YES to Affirm” under which hundreds of people write “YES”.</li></ul>

Gen Z manifesting has taken on some curious quirks

Can hopes become reality just through the power of positive thinking? Yes, say the latest new age gurus and their – suggestible – audiences

Making dreams come true: inside the new age world of manifesting

If he thinks that his work is difficult and that he is not equal to his tasks, he finds that really his tasks are difficult and beyond his powers. Yet on the other hand, if he believes his work is easy, or, at any rate, within his powers, he finds that such is the case, and that he can do his work with ease.

If we meet adversities in the wrong way, they break us. If, however, we meet them in the right way we become stronger through discipline and experience, thus becoming better fitted to bear life's responsibilities and to overcome its difficulties and temptations.

If a man refuses to give in to the influences around his path where he meets with influences that are sometimes favorable and at other times, adverse, then he shall remain standing during periods of adversity and relying upon the great Power within to carry him through, and will find that he can weather all the storms in life and come out of his trials greatly strengthened.

If, however, man's ambition is to serve and to give, instead of to grasp and to grab: if, also, he seeks success through merit and not through the misuse of his spiritual powers, he can go forward and the Power will go with him and will help him. When this Power has been brought into expression, it must only be used in love, for if it is used otherwise it will destroy the user.

If he thinks he is separate from God and cut off from His Power, then it is as though this were really the case, and he is just as impotent and miserable as though he actually existed apart from God. On the other hand, if he thinks and believes that he is one with the Infinite, he finds that it is gloriously true, and that he is really a son of God.

If it were possible that life is always easy, then life would not worth living, for the sole object of life is the building of character and the attainment of wisdom through experience.

If a man's faith in the Power within him is small, then his life will be feeble and lacking in achievement. If his faith in the Power is large, then great will be the power manifesting in his life. The Power of the Infinite is illimitable and inexhaustible: all that is required is an unquenchable belief and trust in it.

I am a person who sees and understands things on a very much deeper level. Hence, I tend to look for answers, but then I have realized that all the answers to my questions can be found within me. 

Ifs in life 

Don't make the mistake of thinking that God loves you only in a general sense.Once a woman was asked "Do you know that Jesus loves you"?She responded by saying ,yeah yeah He loves all of us. The man responded by saying No, He loves you. You , lady. STOP generalising God's love and START personalizing and you will have peace and joy all the time.

God Loves You

Perhaps you are struggling to let go of worries and thinking that you have to "get right" with God before you can receive help in your area of need. God just loves to hear your voice.Come to him just as you are and cast ALL your burdens on him for He cares for you as per 1 Peter 5:7.When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior , you receive the gift of righteousness.And because we have the gift of righteousness ,all good things that Jesus deserves we get (see Eph. 1:3)Knowing that you are righteous in Christ gives you the assurance to let go your cares and anxieties to the Lord.

Righteousness Is A Gift

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things --Matthew 6:34Do you know why God doesn't want you to worry about tomorrow?Its because He wants you to enjoy today.There is nothing wrong with planning ahead for tomorrow events.By all means be led by the Lord.But one can do it without being worried.When He gave manna to the children of Israel,He have it to them daily (See Ex. 16:4).He doesn't give you tomorrow's bread today.He only gives you sufficient supply for today.So enjoy today the fullest grace that He has purchased for you on the cross 2000 yrs ago.

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Having a distorted opinion of God makes one live a pathetic life but relying on how much God loves us as written in his word gives us Joy.

Are You Overwhelmed by Stress, Worry, and Anxiety? Unending daily to-do lists. The frantic pace of modern living. The race to stay relevant in the face of disruption. The very real threat of superbugs and terror in our everyday lives... It's not hard to see why so many people today are experiencing stress, worry, and anxiety attacks. Unfortunately, these aren't simply innocent states of emotion-they can insidiously develop into chronic depression and psychosomatic illnesses, and lead to destructive behaviors. But here's the good news: While stress is depleting and debilitating, it can be defeated and driven from your life. In LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE, Joseph Prince shows you how to beat stress and anxieties that come with the everyday demands and pressures of modern living. Discover how you were not designed by God to live under stress, but called to live the life of rest. You will learn how to let go of stress and see His grace flow unabated in the worry-free areas of your life.

Are You Overwhelmed by Stress, Worry, and Anxiety? Unending daily to-do lists. The frantic pace of modern living. The race to stay relevant in the face of disruption. The very real threat of superbugs and terror in our everyday lives... It's not hard to see why so many people today are experiencing stress, worry, and anxiety attacks. Unfortunately, these aren't simply innocent states of emotion-they can insidiously develop into chronic depression and psychosomatic illnesses, and lead to destructive behaviors. But here's the good news: While stress is depleting and debilitating, it can be defeated and driven from your life. In LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE, Joseph Prince shows you how to beat stress and anxieties that come with the everyday demands and pressures of modern living. Discover how you were not designed by God to live under stress, but called to live the life of rest. You will learn how to let go of stress and see His grace flow unabated in the worry-free areas of your life.

Joseph Prince

Live the Let-Go Life

The defining features of a true déjà experience are sudden shock and bafflement, accompanied by the unsettling conviction that what one is experiencing is impossible – and yet it’s happening. This is different to feelings of vague familiarity with things that remind you of something from your past, or someone you know or have known. Such experiences are not uncommon.

Déjà Vu: What We Know

Historically, ‘déjà vu’ has been used as an umbrella term to describe a range of possible déjà experiences.  Physiologists, for instance, have opined that its origin lies in delayed communication between the cerebral hemispheres; psychologists figure these experiences must be due to memory glitches (that the person has seen something in his or her past, and a present situation recalls it); neurologists say they are often caused by temporal lobe epilepsy; and some parapsychologists say they may arise from precognitive dreams. Others prefer reincarnation as an explanation.

History Of Déjà Vu

In his 1981 doctoral thesis, the South African neuropsychiatrist Vernon Neppe listed 21 variants of déjà vu. Among them were the aforementioned déjà vécu, as well as déjà visité (‘already visited’), déjà rêvé (‘already dreamt’), déjà entendu (‘already heard’), déjà senti (‘already smelt’), and déjà lu (‘already read’). It was Neppe, in fact, who first proposed that we place the various types under the heading ‘déjà experiences’.

The Many Forms Of Déjà Vu

Some just find the experiences an intriguing quirk, something fun to think about and ponder. Then there are those who find them scary: they’re afraid everything is predetermined and that they have no free will. Some say they find it reassuring – it suggests that they’re on the right track in life. For others, the precognitive element opens them up to metaphysical and non-materialistic views of reality.

The Bottom Line

What can the many types of déjà experiences that most people have tell us about reality, memory and the gaps in between?

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

Déjà vu is just one of many uncanny kinds of déjà experiences | Psyche Ideas

Those ideas can possible boost your mood or spirituality with the help of:<ol><li>Spiritual Sources</li><li>Thought & Exercise</li><li>Breathing</li><li>Sound</li><li>Short Movies</li></ol>Special Tip- Use this App to get more control how to feel :<a href="https://www.shiftmyfocus.com/">https://www.shiftmyfocus.com/</a>- Changelog

Improving Mood

To find sources for spirituality that arent totally out of space inside their ideology isnt easy, i collected a few for you<ul><li><a href="https://www.insightfulawakening.com/blog/">https://www.insightfulawakening.com/blog/</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ajourneytoyourself.com/blog-spirituality/">https://www.ajourneytoyourself.com/blog-spirituality/</a></li><li><a href="https://3chipsongod.com/articles/">https://3chipsongod.com/articles/</a></li></ul>

Spiritual Sources

"When a person has a reaction to something in their environment, there’s a 90-second chemical process that happens; any remaining emotional response is just the person choosing to stay in that emotional loop"<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-right-mindset/202004/the-90-second-rule-builds-self-control">https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-right-mindset/202004/the-90-second-rule-builds-self-control</a>Tension, Stress and Trauma Release (TRE)<a href="https://traumaprevention.com/research/">https://traumaprevention.com/research/</a>Positive Quotes<a href="https://www.brainyquote.com/topics">https://www.brainyquote.com/topics</a>

Thought & Exercise

Breathing Duration:<ul><li>5 seconds slowly in</li><li>2 seconds fast out</li></ul>This condensed version of "inner fire" got researched and showed benefits in energy, attention and stress response. Mainly improves oxygen levels in blood.Should be stopped when feeling lightheaded or unwellTips:<ol><li>Dont let out all air on exhale and breath in deeply</li><li>After a while, try holding your breath- releases healthy hormones like epinephrine</li></ol>

Condensed "Inner Fire

Various Religions are using Sacred Sounds to enter trance states, those examples are indian:<ul><li>Happyness - Argala Stotram</li><li>Miraculous Power - Hanuman Chalisa</li><li>Spritiual Pursuit - Maha Mitryunjaya Mantra</li><li>Cosmic Being - Purusha Suktam</li><li>Powerful Shield - Kalabhairava Ashtakam</li><li>Truth Prevails - Satyam Param Dhimahi</li><li>Bliss Unlimited - Ganapathi Stahava</li><li>Sharpen Intellect - Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya</li><li>Divine Armour - Devi Kavacham</li><li>Overall Wellbeing - Om Namah Shivaya</li></ul>

Vedic Mantras and Chants

A collection of short movies with calming music and beautiful scenery named Moving Art brings you into a state of inner peace and connects with the holistic universe.

Moving Art

Do you wonder what changed since your last visit?Latest add: Positive Quotes in thinking&exercise

Changelog

Provoking Calm Energy

Wherever a person can live, there one can also live well;<ul><li>Abraham Lincoln is the most renowned politician of his time. Even at a profession like that, he was able to be compassionate, humble, open-minded and purposeful.</li><li>Principles and pragmatism are not at odds. Whether you live in the white house or in a jail or in a closed-minded small town, you can live well if you choose to. Plenty of other have! It's your principles that govern your way of life.</li></ul>

Pragmatic and Principled - Day 1

Do now what nature demands of you. Get right to it if that's in your power. Don't wait for the perfect timing.<ul><li>There is plenty that you could do right now, today, plenty of small steps, were you to take them, would help move things forward.</li><li>Don't excuse yourself from doing them because the conditions aren't right or because a better opportunity might come along soon. Do what you can, now!</li><li>And when you've done it, don't overblow the results and always keep it in perspective. Shun both excuse and ego, before and after.</li></ul>

Start where the world is - Day 2

Don't tell yourself anything more than what the initial impressions report.<ul><li>It's been reported to you that someone is speaking badly about you. This is the report - the report wasn't that you've been harmed. I see that my son is sick - but not that his life is at risk.</li><li>So always stay within your first impressions, and don't add to them in your head - this way nothing can happen to you.</li><li>As Nietzsche put it, "to stop courageously at the surface" and see things in plain objective form.</li></ul>

Stick with just the facts - Day 3

We don't abandon our pursuits because we dispair of ever perfecting them. <ul><li>Psychologists speak of cognitive distortions - exaggerated thoughts which include </li></ul><ol><li>If you're not with me, you're against me. </li><li>Because this wasn't a complete success, it is a total failure </li></ol><ul><li>This sort of extreme thinking is associated with depression and frustration. Perfection rarely begets perfection - only disappointment. </li><li>We're never going to be perfect. We're human after all. Our pursuits should be aimed at progress, however little that it's possible for us to make. </li></ul>

Perfection is the enemy of Action - Day 4

When the problem arose for us whether habit or theory was better for getting virtue - Musonius thought habit to be more effective. <ul><li>There is no time to chop logic over whether our theories are correct. We are dealing with the real world here. What matters is how you're going to deal with this situation right in front of you and whether you're going to able to move past it. </li><li>Although theories are clean and simple, situations rarely are! </li></ul>

No Time For Theories, just Results - Day 5

How can people prove their words to be their own - by putting into practice what they've been preaching. <ul><li>There was a lot of borrowing among the philosophers. That's because they weren't concerned with authorship. More important, they believed that what was said mattered less than what was done. </li><li>You're welcome to take all of the words, feel free to tweak and edit and improve. Adapt them to the real conditions and put them into practice. Speak with your actions more than anything else. </li></ul>

Make the Words Your Own - Day - 6

You've endured countless troubles - it's enough already! <ul><li>How many things you fear have actually come to pass? How many times had anxiety, jealousy or frustration lead you down a bad road?</li><li>Letting our reason rule the day might seem like more work, but it saves us quite a bit of trouble. Your brain was designed to do this work - to separate what is important from what is senseless, to keep things in perspective. You only need to put it to use.</li></ul>

Take Charge and End Your Troubles - Day 7

<ul><li>Philosophy isn't a parlor trick or made for show. It's concerned with facts that shapes and builds up the soul, gives order to life, guides action, shows what should and shouldn't be done - it sits at the rudder steering our course as we cruise through uncertainties. </li><li>The idea of idly discussing some issue - of believing or arguing two contradictory ideas - is an absurd waste of time, energy and belief. Philosophy is not a fun trick. It's for use - for life. </li></ul>

This Isn't For Fun; It's For Life - Day 8

<ul><li>This can be swiftly taught in very few words: virtue is the only good; there is no certain good without virtue; and virtue resides in our nobler part. </li><li>And what this virtue can be? True and steadfast judgement. For from this will arise every mental impulse, and by it every appearance that spurs our impulses will be rendered clear. </li><li>You become the sum of your actions, and as you do, what flows from that - your impulses - reflect the actions you've taken. Choose wisely! </li></ul>

The Supreme Court Of Your Mind - Day 9

<ul><li>At 5'-3" tall, Muggsy Bogues was the shortest player to play professional basketball. Against all odds, he succeeded. He saw his height as his strength when others saw it as his weakness. In fact, small size has many advantages: speed and quickness, ability to steal the ball from unsuspecting players, to say nothing of the fact that players just underestimated him.</li><li>Could this approach not be useful in your life? What things do you think have been holding you back that, in fact, can be a hidden source of strength?</li></ul>

Anything can be an advantage - Day 10

<ul><li>Today, see if u can go without blaming a single person or thing. Someone messed up your instructions - it's on you for expecting anything different. Your stock portfolio takes a big loss - what did you expect making such a big bet? </li><li>Whatever it is, however bad it may be, see whether you can make it a whole day laying it all in your reasoned choice. </li><li>Start where u need to. Even 1 minute without playing the blame game is progress in the art of living. </li></ul>

Take Responsibility For Your Choices - Day 11

<ul><li>A good person is invincible, for they don't rush into contests in which they aren't the strongest. You will never compel what they set out for, nor trap them in what they would avoid. How can such a person not be invincible? </li><li>Don't try to beat the opponent where they are strongest. That's what we try to do when we are put on the spot. Or we say yes to everything that comes our way. </li><li>Discretion is the better part of valour. Think hard before choosing, and make yourself unbeatable. </li></ul>

Only Fools Rush In! - Day 12

<ul><li>Since the vast majority of our words & actions are unnecessary, confining them will create an abundance of leisure & tranquility. We must also confine unnecessary thoughts, too, so needless acts don't tag along after them. </li><li>What vanity obligates us to do, what greed signs us up for, what ill discipline adds to our plate, what a lack of courage prevents us from saying no to. All of this we must cut, cut, cut. </li></ul>

Confining The Unnecessary - Day 13

Inwardly, we ought to be different in every respect, but our outward appearance should blend in with the crowd. <ul><li>Diogenes the cynic was a controversial philosopher who wandered the streets like a homeless person. It's tempting to take philosophy to the extremes, but who does it serve? </li><li>Outward transformation - in our clothes, cars and in our grooming - might feel important but it's superficial compared with the inward change. That's the change that only we know about! </li></ul>

Where It Counts - Day 14

<ul><li>The way we nervously worry about some looming bad news is strange. By definition, the waiting means it hasn't happened yet so that feeling bad in advance is totally voluntary. </li><li>The pragmatist, is too busy to waste time on such silliness. Think about it. Best case scenario - if the news turns out better than expected, all this time wasted in fear. Worst case scenario - we were miserable for extra time, by choice. </li><li>Let the news come in when it does. Be too busy working to care. </li></ul>

Don't Be Miserable In Advance - Day 15

<ul><li>It is essential for you to remember that the attention you give to any action should be in due proportion to it's worth, for then you won't tire and give up. </li><li>If you give things more time and energy than they deserve, they're no longer lesser things. You've made them important by the life you've spent on them.</li><li>And sadly, you've made the important things - your family, your health, your true commitments - less so as a result of what you've stolen from them. </li></ul>

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff - Day 16

<ul><li>It's most easy to prove that so-called pleasures, when they go beyond proper measure, are but punishments. </li><li>Stoics don't say, "Stop doing this, it's a sin." Instead they say, "Don't do this because it will make you miserable. They don't say," Pleasure isn't pleasurable." They say," Endless pleasure becomes it's own form of punishment."</li><li>Its not that this or that is bad, it's that it is in their best interest to do it in a different way. </li></ul>

It's In Your Self-Interest - Day 17

"I'll never be ashamed to quote a bad writer with good saying." - Seneca<ul><li>Seneca was looking for wisdom, period. It didn't matter where it came from. This is something a lot of people seem to miss. Who cares whether some bit of wisdom is from a stoic, epicurean or anyone? What matters is whether it makes your life better. </li><li>What wisdom or help would you be able to find today if you stopped caring about affiliations and reputations? How much more could you see if you just focused on merit? </li></ul>

Learn From All Sources - Day 18

<ul><li>Won't you be walking in your predecessor's footsteps? The ones who pioneered these paths aren't our masters, but our guides. </li><li>Traditions are often time-tested best practices for doing something. But remember, today's conservative ideas were once controversial. </li><li>Perhaps we have a breakthrough of our own. If these ideas are true and better, embrace them - use them. You don't need to be a prisoner of dead old men who stopped learning two thousand years ago! </li></ul>

Respect The Past, But Be Open To The Future - Day 19

<ul><li>I was shipwrecked before I even boarded... the journey showed me this - how much of what we have is unnecessary, and how easily we can decide to rid ourselves of these things whenever it's necessary, never suffering the loss. - Seneca</li><li>The stoics weren't being hypothetical when they said we ought to ACT with a reverse clause and that even the most unfortunate events can turn out to be for the best. The entire philosophy is founded on that idea! </li></ul>

Seeking Out Shipwrecks - Day 20

<ul><li>Heraclitus would shed tears whenever he went out in public - Democritus laughed. One saw the whole as a paradise of miseries, the other of follies. And so, we should take a lighter view of things and bear them with an easy spirit, for it is more human to laugh at life than to lament it. </li><li>Like Democritus, we can make that same choice. There is more humor than hate to be found in just about every situation. And at least humor is productive - making things less heavy, not more so. </li></ul>

Laugh, Or Cry? - Day 21

<ul><li>The founder of the universe, who assigned us to the laws of life, provided that we should live well, but not in luxury. Everything needed for our well-being is right before us, whereas what luxuries requires is gathered by many miseries and anxieties. This is the pragmatic instead of the moralistic approach to wealth. </li><li>There is no rule that says financial success must mean that you live beyond your means. Remember: humans can be happy with very little. </li></ul>

The Opulent Stoic - Day 22

<ul><li>No person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they don't have, and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have. </li><li>John D. Rockefeller believed that "a man's wealth must be determined by the relation of his desires and expenditures to his income. If he feels rich on $10 and has everything he desires, he really is rich." </li><li>Today, you could try to increase your wealth, or you could take a shortcut and just want less. </li></ul>

Want Nothing =Have Everything - Day 23

If you start something and right away feel yourself getting lazy and irritated, first ask yourself: Why am I doing this? If it really is a necessity, ask yourself: Whats behind my reluctance? Fear? Spite? Fatigue?Don't forge ahead hoping that someone will relieve you or someone will explain you why what you're doing matters. Don't be the person who says yes with their mouth but no with their actions. Quality is much better than quantity.

When You Feel Lazy - Day 24

No one does wrong on purpose.<ul><li>The clearest proof of that hypothesis? All the time we did wrong without malice or intention. Remember them? The rude behaviour because we haven't spelt in two days. The time you acted on bad information, got carried away, forgot, didn't understand. The list goes on and on. </li><li>This is why it is important not to brand off people as enemies. Be as forgiving of them as you are of yourself. It may work wonders in your relationships. </li></ul>

Consider Your Failings Too - Day 25

<ul><li>Cato the younger had enough money to dress in fine clothing. Yet he often walked around Rome barefoot. He chose this way because he was training his soul to be strong and resilient. He was learning indifference: an attitude of "let come what may" that would serve him well. </li><li>His training prepared him for any conditions, any kind of luck. If we undergo our own training and preparations, we might find ourselves similarly strengthened. </li></ul>

A Strong Soul Is Better Than Good Luck - Day 26

<ul><li>Have you ever been to physical rehab? It's not a fun place to be. It turns out that healing hurts. The experts know where to exert pressure so that they can strengthen where the patient is weak and help stimulate the areas that have atrophied. </li><li>Stoic philosophy is a lot like that. Some exercises will touch one of your pressure points. It's nothing personal. It's supposed to hurt. That's how you'll develop the will to endure and persevere through life's many difficulties. </li></ul>

The Philosopher's School Is A Hospital - Day 27

<ul><li>"Hard winter training" is the notion that there is no such thing as part-time soldering (or part time anything for that matter). In order to achieve victory, one must dedicate every second into preparation and training. </li><li>The same is true for us. We can't do this life half heartedly. There's no time off. There aren't even weekends. We are always preparing for what life might throw at us - and when it does, we're ready and don't stop until we've handled it. </li></ul>

First, A Hard Winter Training - Day 28

I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent - no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you. - Seneca<ul><li>There's a benefit for so-called misfortune. Having experienced and survived it, we walk away with a better understanding of our own capacity and inner strength. </li><li>So today if things look like they might take a bad turn, why worry? This might be one of those formative experiences you will be grateful for later. </li></ul>

How Can You Know Whether You've Never Been Tested - Day 29

<ul><li>Remember, then, if you deem what is by nature slavish to be free, and what is not your own to be yours, you will be shackled and miserable, blaming both gods and other people. </li><li>But if you deem as your own only what is yours, and what belongs to others as truly not yours, then no one will ever be able to coerce or to stop you, you will find no one to blame or accuse you, you will do nothing against your will, you will have no enemy, no one will harm you, because no harm can affect you. </li></ul>

Focus On What Is Yours Alone - Day 30

From the team that brought you The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, a beautiful daily devotional of Stoic meditations—an instant Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller. Why have history's greatest minds—from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with today's top performers from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities—embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the playwright Seneca, or slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, as well as lesser-known luminaries like Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. Every day of the year you'll find one of their pithy, powerful quotations, as well as historical anecdotes, provocative commentary, and a helpful glossary of Greek terms. By following these teachings over the course of a year (and, indeed, for years to come) you'll find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well.

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