As the Deer

Just finished reading A Guide to the Good Life {the ancient art of stoic joy} by William B. Irvine.  He writes in a non-technical style, and he interprets ancient Roman Stoics for a contemporary audience.  He believes Stoic practices can bring tranquility and release joy.

Among his suggested practices:

1. Imagine losses in your life.  Thinking about how things might be worse helps you appreciate what you have now.
2. Sift events into three categories:  what is wholly under your control, partly under your control, or not under your control at all.  Focus on the first two, and let the third go.
3. Accept the past and the present moment for what they are.  You can only change the future.
4. Use your reasoning ability to diminish anger and grief.
5. Live a simple lifestyle.  More things do not satisfy.

Nos. 2, 3, and 5 seem particularly useful.  The early Christians integrated elements of Stoicism into their practice of Christianity.  Irvine isn’t a religious man — he incorporates Stoicism into a naturalist, evolutionary mindset in the final chapters.  As a philosophy of life, Stoicism can meld itself into different belief systems.