What is Stoic mindfulness?

Let’s start at the start – the dichotomy of control. Beginners and long practitioners of Stoicism alike will usually have this idea ever present in their minds. What makes this idea so powerful is that it is incredibly easy to understand. However, like most ideas, understanding a practice and implementing it are two different things. There is always a delay in what we know and how we act because we are all imperfect. 

What allows one to practice this idea in daily life is mindfulness. Mindfulness is being present and aware regarding that which is happening around you and within you. There is a delay in this, also. Consider, for example, that you are in a meeting at work. Lazy Larry is trying to get out of doing work (again), and you know that his work will likely end up on your desk. You have agency in this situation – you can bring up your current workload professionally, and state that you feel that you are doing your fair share of the work. If, however, your boss decides to give in to Lazy Larry’s complaining, you may have to just lean into the work and get it done. 

However, before becoming all Stoic about this situation, you may initially become upset. You may think: “Lazy Larry is up to no good again!” Perhaps it’s only after a minute or two of mulling this situation over in your head that you realize that you ultimately do have agency – to state your case or to simply lean into the work that ends up on your desk.
The more mindful we are, the quicker we can get ourselves back to our Stoic baseline. The Stoic is able to be aware of the external situation – that Lazy Larry is about to strike again, and your boss is likely to give in – as well as the internal situation – that you are experiencing an emotional response. It is only after gaining awareness that you can move forward Stoically. 

Mindfulness through journaling

How can we become more mindful, as Stoics? Journaling is a great way to do so.

Marcus Aurelius would often journal in the morning to consider which challenges would present themselves throughout the day, and you can, too. Every morning, you could spend 5 minutes listing out any fears or resentments you have, as well as any challenges (such as Lazy Larry’s complaining on the weekly team meeting) that you are likely to experience that day.

By doing so, you are preparing to be mindful when the situation occurs. You may still experience the initial emotional response (i.e., the impression), but the gap between positive action may very well be shortened. 

Mindfulness through immersion in nature

Another Stoic practice that is useful to implement daily is immersion in nature. Philosophically and physiologically speaking, being out in nature is beneficial for our health and can help us practice mindfulness.
Leave your phone home to avoid distractions, and head out for a walk, hike, or swim. Let your thoughts wander. Observe the trees, the water, the animals, the sound of the wind and the waves. This is a meditative, spiritual experience that teaches you to be present and mindful about that which occurs around you.

Mindfulness through compassion

The final practice I will list here is that of compassion. Stoics do concern themselves with the suffering of others (though, of course, they detach it from their own eudaimonia). Any situation with another person is an opportunity to practice compassion and mindfulness. In fact, compassion can only truly come from mindfulness. How can we feel for others if we are not mindful of them?

Being mindful of how others are feeling given the context of the current situation teaches you compassion and can ultimately teach you more about yourself. And, without a doubt, being more considerate in how your actions affect others is a Stoically pro-social perspective.

Closing remarks

Like many Stoic misconceptions, this one can be erased by simply looking at a practicing Stoic; are they mindful? Are they considerate? Meditative? When in doubt, look to the ancient Stoics. One would be hard-pressed to convince me that Marcus Aurelius isn’t mindful. Be present and aware, and you can be Stoic.

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