“When you’re finished changing… you’re finished!” – Ben Franklin
Hello, I’m David Erskine! Dr. Kathy Allen has asked me to write a second blog this year from my home, just ten minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You may also remember me from a series of blogs written in 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
This time, I want to talk about Stoicism and its philosophy. I have found great comfort in reading about the famous Stoics, a group of philosophers from over two centuries ago who sought to discover common ground amidst great turmoil. (Sound familiar?)
What the Stoic philosophers taught over two thousand years ago still applies today. In fact, many of their teachings have helped me in the present day. They’ve helped me be present, be grateful, and let go of my grievances. Perhaps they can also help each of you.
As the Roman historian and philosopher Tacitus said, “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” The great Eckhart Tolle interprets this to mean that when uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. When it is perfectly acceptable, it turns us into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity. Tolle has also given me a daily meditation during yoga that I often say: “Relax your breath, soften your face, and slow your pace of walking.”
A blend of the Stoics and Eckhart Tolle has helped me embrace all the change in my world. This leads me to share three Eckhart quotes that beautifully complement some of the Stoics’ foundational concepts.
- Abundance. As Tolle says, “…Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation for all abundance. The fact is, whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world. Whatever you think people are withholding from you—praise, appreciation, assistance, loving care, and so on—give it to them. Then, soon after you start giving, you will start receiving.”
- Ego. Quoting Tolle again, he states, “..Nothing can satisfy the ego for long. As long as it runs your life, there are two ways to be unhappy. Not getting what you want is one. Getting what you want is the other.”
- Acceptance. “If you can neither enjoy nor bring acceptance to what you do, stop. Otherwise, you are not taking responsibility for the only thing you can really take responsibility for, which also happens to be the one
thing that really matters: your state of consciousness. And if you are not taking responsibility for your state of consciousness, you are not taking responsibility for life.”
This is food for thought and, hopefully, some help in these changing times. What helps you move through change these days?
David Erskine
World Traveler, Poet, Actor, Taxi-Driver…Blogger
This blog by David Erskine is so helpful for everyday living. I am sending it along to my four adult children who, although quite sucessful in their lives, could always use suggestions to travel across the rough patches which inevitably enter everyone’s life. This blog is extremely helpful for all.
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I am continuingly grateful to have had David introduce me to an in depth study of the Stoics!