Stoic Week Day 1: Mindfulness

The quote above is a favorite of mine because it it applicable at every moment of the day. If you have read through the Stoic Week Handbook, you'll come across the term "stoic mindfulness." I believe mindfulness and the attention Hadot references are the same. As Stoics move through the day, we seek full engagement with the world. We work to be conscious of our choices and intentional in all our actions.

It takes energy to remain engaged in every moment, both mental and caloric. I had low blood sugar a few days ago and was on shaky auto-pilot until I found a snack! Volition (will-power) has to be built up and honed. We must practice our mindfulness.

The most important part of this week*, for me, is the reminder to be mindful. I want to be fully engaged with my life. There is immense value in morning and evening meditations, visualization techniques and the like, but the hard work of Stoicism is in whatever moment is before us.

*I say this entering the week, we'll see what jumps out at the end.

Prepare for Stoic Week! 25 Nov - 1 Dec

Stoic Week begins next Monday, so here's what you need to do to prepare.

Wait. Why should you even participate in Stoic Week? Ok, I'll bite. Here are three reasons.

One: Stoic Week is testable.

As part of Stoic Week, all participants are asked to take a series of well-being/attitude tests at the beginning and end of the week. I know, tests aren't everyone's idea of fun. But how many philosophies, religions, self-help practices, etc... do you know that hold themselves up to this sort of scrutiny? The Stoic Week organizers actually want to know if they did you any good and what, if anything, specifically did that good. I believe that is pretty cool.

Two: Stoic Week is a week.

I mean, come on, you can practice Stoicism for a week. I've reviewed this year's Handbook for the event and it is seriously well designed. In one week you will have a very good sense of what Stoicism has to offer. Why not join the party for a week? We've been helping people thrive since 300 B.C.E.!

Three: You're reading this blog.

Don't let me be the only voice of Stoicism in your life. I'm immoderate, for Zeus's sake! I mean, I'm doing my best here but the Stoic Week organizers are pros. We can all grow our perspective of Stoicism together. Which brings me to a bonus reason.

Bonus Reason: Community

This Stoic Week I'll be writing about my experiences...perhaps even making an audio recording. Next year I'm hoping to have some online discussions (Google Hangouts) with other Stoics and interested parties. If you find that Stoicism speaks to you, maybe you'll join me?

Ok. So what to do to prepare.

1. Take the tests.
2. Download the handbook and read a bit about Stoicism and this week's event.
3. Find some place to talk about your experiences. You can always join the Stoicism Group on Facebook, or talk to me on my Page.

So that's it. Go get ready.