Stoicism for me is not dramatic. It is mostly quiet work—choosing patience over irritation, discipline over comfort, and acceptance over complaint. This is not always easy. Perhaps that is why so many of us are drawn to this ancient philosophy. How do we remain composed in difficult situations? How do we live a virtuous life when it is so easy to be pulled off course by vice and distraction—especially the constant pull of our phones and devices?

The morning reminder

It is in ordinary day-to-day situations that I try to practice Stoicism, and it starts when I get up in the morning. I remind myself that there will be situations that test my resolve and people who try my patience. I also remind myself that my well-being should not be controlled by anyone or anything outside my own character.

God does not want my happiness held hostage by someone else. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.56

It is an inspiring idea—but not always easy to live by.

One recent example has been the treatment of my chronic headaches. Over the past year I received a series of injections from a neurologist that gradually helped. Months later, however, I learned that these treatments had not been approved by my insurance company. I was informed that I owed $1,400 to the neurology center.

Since then I have spent many hours on the phone with both the insurance company and the clinic, trying to understand what happened and seeking reimbursement. As of this writing, the matter remains unresolved.

Situations like this are a quiet training ground for Stoic practice. It would be easy to become angry or discouraged, especially when progress is slow and communication uncertain. Instead, I try to focus on what is within my control: speaking calmly, explaining the situation clearly, and following up with steady persistence.

Taking the suffering out of pain

Stoicism does not eliminate headaches— physical or bureaucratic. But it can prevent the added suffering that comes from frustration and resentment. The task is simply to remain patient and steady while events unfold as they will.

Physical pain itself also provides opportunities for Stoic practice. When headaches arise, I try to remain in the present moment, recognizing that pain is simply what it is, without amplifying it through worry—such as imagining how it might worsen in the future. The task is to stay rational and focused on what I can do to alleviate the discomfort.

I try to accept the pain with courage and temperance, trusting that it will eventually pass.

If it is endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 10.3

I also try to apply temperance in daily life. Self-discipline, as the Stoics emphasized— what the ancient Greeks called sophrosyne — helps keep us within the guardrails and away from excess. I do not drink or smoke, and I try to eat well and exercise regularly. While far from perfect, I have noticed that the self-discipline I apply to health and nutrition tends to spill over into other areas of life, including how I manage my finances.

Virtue in everyday life

Virtue is not contained to one area. Like the colours in a watercolor painting, it tends to bleed into others. When considering a purchase, I sometimes ask myself: Do I really need this, or am I buying it out of boredom, dissatisfaction, or anxiety? By examining my motives—what the Stoics called our impressions—I am better able to stay disciplined. I have been blessed, and I realize that craving more only diminishes appreciation for what I already have.

There have been found persons who crave more after obtaining everything. - Seneca, Moral Letters, 119.8

As I approach the end of the day, I try to reflect on the day’s events. I do not always remember to do this, but I make the effort. How well did I apply Stoic principles? Did I remain reasonably patient? Did I show courage in uncomfortable situations—such as agreeing to talk on a Zoom call to my class, which I recently did?

Practicing from breakfast to bedtime

Stoicism must be practiced. It is not enough to listen to maxims or read quotations and think, “I understand.” Each day presents opportunities to apply Stoic principles. The opportunities are everywhere. Our task is simply to recognize these sometimes ordinary moments and respond as well as we can. For instance, it may not be as dramatic as the challenges Seneca faced in the palace of Nero, or the war campaigns Marcus Aurelius fought against Germanic tribes, but for us it is just as important.

Practicing Stoicism from breakfast to bedtime does not produce perfection, but it does move us closer to living with greater patience, discipline, and acceptance—one ordinary moment at a time.

Glenn Citerony is an Executive Wellness Coach who employs Stoic concepts to help improve people’s lives. He is passionate about Stoicism and its relevance to addressing today’s challenges. Glenn can be reached at glennciterony.com.

---