Stoicism: Grounding yourself in what you can control and finding strength amid uncertainty

Introduction

If Taoism teaches us to move with the currents of life, Stoicism gives us the tools to steer with clarity and purpose. Political change, especially at moments like a presidential inauguration, can leave us feeling powerless, caught in the tension between hope and frustration, action and uncertainty. The Stoics offer a counterpoint: true power doesn’t come from controlling the external world but from mastering our internal responses.

At the heart of Stoicism is the dichotomy of control: the wisdom to know what is ours to influence and what lies beyond our reach. This principle, alongside teachings like Sympatheia (Sim-puh-thay-uh) and Voluntary Discomfort, equips us with a resilient mindset—one that transforms chaos into clarity and passivity into purposeful action. Let’s explore how Stoicism can guide us through times of upheaval and help us act with composure, wisdom, and strength.

The Dichotomy of Control

Epictetus, in The Enchiridion (En-kih-rid-ee-uhn), offers a straightforward but profound distinction: “Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.” This simple truth carries immense weight when we apply it to life, and especially to politics.

The actions of leaders, the opinions of others, and the outcomes of elections are all outside our control. What remains within our grasp, however, is how we choose to respond. Do we let outrage consume us, or do we shift our focus to what we can influence: our words, our actions, our mindset?

Imagine hearing news of a policy that feels deeply unjust. A reactive approach might send you spiraling into anger or despair. The Stoic approach asks you to pause and reflect:

• What is within my power to address this?
• How can I respond constructively?
• Am I wasting energy on things beyond my influence?

Marcus Aurelius writes in Meditations: “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This strength isn’t about resignation; it’s about precision. It’s about channeling energy into meaningful action, such as joining a cause, supporting your community, or practicing kindness in the face of conflict.

Through the lens of the dichotomy of control, we move from passive observers of turmoil to active participants in shaping the world around us. It’s not giving up—it’s focusing on what matters.

Sympatheia: Recognizing Our Interconnectedness

Marcus Aurelius reminds us: “We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes… To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone is to turn your back on them.” This is Sympatheia, the Stoic understanding that we are all interconnected, like threads woven into the same fabric.

Political division often creates an “us versus them” mentality, but Sympatheia invites us to see beyond that. It reminds us that even those we disagree with are part of the same whole. Unity doesn’t mean agreement; it means coexistence rooted in mutual understanding. When we embrace our shared humanity, we shift from conflict to compassion, from division to dialogue.

Voluntary Discomfort: Building Resilience

While Sympatheia reminds us of our shared strength, Stoicism also turns us inward, asking us to build resilience through practices like voluntary discomfort, reminding ourselves that steadiness and courage are forged in the face of uncertainty. Seneca’s advice in Letters to Lucilius may feel counterintuitive but is profoundly relevant: “Set aside a certain number of days, during which you shall be content with the scantiest and cheapest fare, with coarse and rough dress, saying to yourself the while: ‘Is this the condition that I feared?’”

Practicing voluntary discomfort isn’t about unnecessary suffering, it’s about training ourselves to face life’s challenges with steadiness. By intentionally stepping into discomfort, we remind ourselves of our resilience and dispel the fear of the unknown.

In times of political or societal upheaval, this practice grounds us. Fear often amplifies our perception of difficulty, but when we willingly face discomfort, we discover we’re far stronger than we realize. This resilience becomes a foundation for enduring external chaos without losing our inner peace.

Premeditatio Malorum: Preparing for Adversity

Another Stoic tool for resilience is Premeditatio Malorum (Preh-meh-dih-tah-tee-oh Mah-loh-room), or the “premeditation of evils.” This practice asks us to envision potential challenges, losses, or obstacles—not to dwell on fear but to prepare for them with a steady mind. Seneca described it as rehearsing adversity: “He robs present ills of their power who has already seen their coming.”

In practice, this means taking time to imagine the possibilities of what could go wrong. How might a policy impact your community? How might a disagreement unfold? What emotions might rise, and how can you meet them constructively? By confronting these scenarios mentally, we lessen their sting when they arise.

Premeditatio Malorum doesn’t lead to pessimism; it fosters preparedness. It strengthens our ability to remain calm and act decisively, even when the unexpected strikes. It reminds us that forethought, not fear, is the key to resilience.

Oikeiōsis: Expanding Our Circle of Concern

Having prepared ourselves to face challenges with resilience and clarity, Stoicism now invites us to look outward through the concept of oikeiōsis (oy-kay-oh-sis). This idea asks us to expand our sense of self, embracing the broader human story as a reminder that our strength deepens when we see ourselves as part of something greater. Rooted in the teachings of the earliest Stoic philosophers, oikeiosis challenges us to move beyond the boundaries of individuality. Hierocles (Hee-eh-roh-kleez), a later and lesser-known Stoic, illustrated this beautifully, envisioning humanity as concentric circles, beginning with the self and widening to include family, community, and, ultimately, all humankind.

In moments of turmoil, it’s easy to retreat into our immediate circles, focusing only on ourselves or those closest to us. But oikeiōsis reminds us that our well-being is tied to the well-being of others. It asks us to see political strife not as a battle to win but as an opportunity to foster compassion and solidarity.

Expanding our circle of concern doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone. It means acknowledging that we are all part of the same human story and acting not out of division but out of a desire for collective well-being.

Conclusion: Anchoring in Clarity

Stoicism offers a map for navigating uncertain times with purpose and clarity. By embracing the dichotomy of control, we focus our energy on what truly matters. Through Sympatheia, we recognize our shared humanity. Voluntary discomfort strengthens our resilience. Premeditatio Malorum prepares us for adversity. And oikeiōsis expands our compassion to include others.

As we face the emotions stirred by political change, let’s reflect on what is within our control, and release what is not. Let’s act with intention, seeking to understand rather than divide. In doing so, we honor not just Stoic philosophy, but the shared potential of all humanity.

What is one thing you can control today? What step can you take to act with clarity and purpose? In these answers lies not only your peace of mind but your power to create meaningful change.

If this resonated, subscribe for more essays rooted in presence, defiance, and reflection.
Personally-crafted; AI-assisted. Why that matters.