logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
4m 30s

The Chief Task In Life Is This

Allan John (What Is Stoicism?)
About this episode

☀️ Start your next 10 days like a Stoic with morning routines that take only 10 minutes to complete.


Free Stoic 10-day series: https://whatisstoicism.com/10days


---


The ancient Stoic teacher Epictetus said we should contemplate daily the freedom of our will: The fact that no matter what happens or what anyone else does, our thoughts and actions are our own and no one else’s.


This knowledge of what is and isn’t ours, and of what is and isn’t possible for us, allows us to focus on the things we can actually affect.


On the other hand, we are able to calmly assess the events, opinions, and circumstances that don’t land within our sphere of control and effectively say they’re fine as they are.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Aug 6
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
In this episode, I look at how Stoicism teaches us not to suppress our emotions but to master our responses to them through mindful assent.With a practical focus, we examine how the Stoic distinguishes between involuntary impressions and the voluntary judgments that follow.By lea ... Show More
7m 2s
Jul 30
How Stoics Build Better Communities
This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others.Guided by the examples of Zeno, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and the legendary story of Lycurgus, we see how reasoned dialogue and pa ... Show More
6m 17s
Jul 23
The Ideal Life Might Not Be What You Think
What does it mean to live the ideal life — and who gets to decide what “ideal” really means?In this episode, we explore wisdom from the Stoics and Goethe on how striving for purpose and meeting each moment fully might be closer to the answer than endless comfort. Take a moment to ... Show More
5m 57s
Recommended Episodes
May 7
Mindfulness Meditation 101
Mindfulness Meditation is a simple, ancient and often challenge practice that teaches you how to be in the moment with all that is happening. In this freeform episode Kelly walks you through that this practice is, where it came from, how it has changed over the years and what thi ... Show More
43 m
Dec 2024
5 Minutes to Calm | FEATURING: Morning Meditation for Women
In this episode, I have a special treat for you. A 5 minute calming morning meditation read by one of my friends, Katie, who hosts the podcast Morning Meditation for Women. If you enjoy her meditation, then go check out her channel, leave her a good review, and let her know I sen ... Show More
8m 38s
Sep 2024
I Just Did A 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreat With Joseph Goldstein. Here’s What I Learned
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- Meditation retreats are the object of much intrigue and even suspicion. So today, we’re going to take you inside a 10-day silent meditation retreat that Dan ... Show More
1h 18m
Jul 20
Non-Attachment Meditation
In this non-attachment meditation, Kelly guides you through a gentle meditation on non-attachment. Learn to soften your grip on expectations and outcomes, and reconnect with your inner steadiness. This practice will help you let go, find peace, and return to the present moment. J ... Show More
12m 55s
Feb 2025
The Mindful Life, Day 7: "Meditations for Self-Awareness and Reflection"
Today's meditation is designed to create a consistent space for you to examine your inner landscape. It's a structured period of personal review, conducted on a weekly basis, to foster greater self-understanding.  YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY DURING THIS WEEK'S SERIES This is episode ... Show More
12m 1s
Nov 2024
5 Minute AM Shower Meditation
In this month's community mini Kelly leads a 5 minute meditation for your morning shower to help you start the day with ease, energy, and clarity. Community miniThis month all ad revenue generated on this episode will be donated to the The Mindful Life Project More Mindful in Min ... Show More
7m 15s
Feb 2025
Breathing into Truth, Day 3: Exploring Satya in the Yoga Sutras"
Your breath is a constant companion, a mirror reflecting your inner state. This meditation uses the breath as a tool for self-inquiry, guiding you to explore your relationship with truthfulness. By paying close attention to the nuances of your breath during today's specific techn ... Show More
12m 27s
Jan 2025
9 Minute Anxiety Relief Meditation
In the 1 year celebration of You Are Not Your Thoughts being published, Kelly shares one of her favorite meditations from the book in this 9 minute anxiety relief meditation. Journal prompt- Write down 6 ways that you can soothe yourself emotionally when you experience moments of ... Show More
10m 48s
Mar 2025
💗 Meditation Monday 🧘‍♀️ - Gold Within the Silence
MEDITATION MONDAY - Gold Within the SilenceIt can be really easy to avoid sitting still. To avoid getting quiet. To avoid meditating. But there is gold within the silence that happens when we meditate. Today I’m going to gently and lightly guide you through meditation. That will ... Show More
19m 12s
Dec 2024
11 Min AM Breathwork Meditation
Take 11 minutes in the morning to practice this breathwork meditation for energy and mental clarity to get your day started. This practice incorporates bellow's breath and alternate nostril breathing to oxygenate your body and awaken your mind. Join the Clarity + Calm NYE Virtual ... Show More
11m 10s