Stoicism: Be Free Of All The External Factors

Achieve Happiness by Letting Go of What’s Not in Your Hands

Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash

In this modern age of development and technology, many people struggle to find happiness. Today, we are more connected to one another than ever before. However, why do we remain anxious and troubled? The answer lies in the fact that we all chase things that are beyond our control. As if swimming against the flow of a river. You may reach the end, but you will be exhausted. Or you can just let go and let the events unfold naturally. Stoicism believes in remaining calm regardless of external factors.

Practicing Stoic practices allows us to be happy and experience the world in its fullest colors.

What Is Stoicism?

The Greek philosopher, Zeno, found Stoicism in the 3rd century. Stoicism was originally associated with pursuing happiness through virtue. Over the years, a wide range of philosophers contributed to this school of thought. Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca are among the philosophers who played a part in modernizing Stoicism.

“A Stoic is someone who transforms fear into prudence, pain into transformation, mistakes into initiation, and desire into undertaking.” ~ Taleb Nassim Nicholas.

According to modern Stoic belief, humans are affected by two forces; external and internal. According to Stoicism, we cannot control external forces, but we can control our internal factors. It is, therefore, best to let go of those forces that we cannot control.

What Are the External and Internal Forces?

External forces are beyond our control. Examples include the economy of our country, the weather today, and, to some degree, our relationships and jobs. As a common person, you cannot influence the economy or inflation no matter how hard you try. The same goes for our relations. Sure, everyone around us will remain kind to us if we treat them nicely, but is that a guarantee? People might suddenly change their attitude. What can you do then?

We can, however, control our internal forces. They include our emotions, thoughts, and responses to our surroundings. Our minds are within our control, and once we learn how to react appropriately, we can reach…