Sunday, February 11, 2024
Last Night's Sleep
7 hr 48 min
Today's Forecast
Today: A mix of sun and cloud. Wind up to 15 km/h. High plus 4°C. Wind chill minus -5°C this morning. UV index 2 or low.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus -3°C. Wind chill minus -7°C overnight.
Air Quality: 2 - Low Risk
Today's Journal
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
This past week I have been educating myself on the ancient Philosophy of Stoicism, and the life and times of Marcus Aurelius. He was was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He also spent a lot of time journaling which is something that I do every single morning. I've been reading some of his essays and the "12 books of the Meditations". I find his writings absolutely fascinating and think if people lived their lives following the principles of the Stoics the world would be a much better place.
All I really knew about Stoicism was the dictionary definition, "a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining". In popular belief, a Stoic is a person who is insensitive and unemotional. Stiff upper-lip, etc. Not true. The Stoic's goal wasn’t to banish emotion but to minimize the number of negative emotions. Stoicism actually has some things in common with Buddhism. I've been interested in Siddhartha Gautama since the 1960's and have read a lot of his teachings. In my 72 year I can honestly say that I have been a student of life, for a lifetime. I'm curious by nature and love to learn.
As in cognitive behavioural therapy, it's important to focus on the things in life you can control, and not allow the external world to dictate our emotions or happiness. Stoic tenets:
* Wisdom is to act rationally and see the world with objectivity.
* Justice is to treat others with fairness and kindness.
* Courage is to be brave in the face of adversity, to realize that fear does more harm than the thing we fear.
* Temperance is self-discipline, the ability to resist temptations and to choose virtue over vice.
Today's Daily Affirmations
* I can become whole again.
* I focus on healthy choices.
* I am retraining my mind to be more positive.
* I am whole, happy and healthy.
* I am open to receiving more.
* I refuse to keep old grudges active.
* I am getting better at managing my triggers.
* I release the judgmental thoughts now.
* I always remain calm and composed.
* I radiate positive vibes everywhere I go.
Today's Exercise
4:19 pm - JA "Knees Focus"
17 minutes / 282 steps
4:38 pm - JA "Hips Focus"
21 minutes / 1097 steps
Today's Total Steps:
4466
