THE ART OF WAKING UP TO HAPPINESS_255

 THE ART OF WAKING UP TO HAPPINESS_255

"Embracing Peace Through Acceptance: A Stoic Lesson"- Swaminathan Murali 

We must maintain inner peace by adjusting our expectations and accepting what happens as it comes. Here's an anecdote that illustrates this approach:

A Lesson from Epictetus: The Broken Lamp

Epictetus, a famous Stoic philosopher, was known for his wisdom and calm demeanour. One evening, while he was hosting a small gathering at his modest home, a careless guest accidentally knocked over and broke a valuable lamp. The lamp, a gift from a dear friend, shattered into pieces on the floor.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to Epictetus, expecting him to react angrily or disappointed. Instead, Epictetus smiled and said, "I would have preferred if the lamp had not broken, but now that it has, it is OK."

His guests were astonished by his composed reaction. Seeing their surprise, Epictetus explained, "It is not the breaking of the lamp that disturbs us, but our judgment about it. We often set expectations that things will always go as we wish, but life is full of uncertainties. By accepting what happens, we free ourselves from unnecessary frustration."

He continued, "I would prefer if people were thoughtful, but when they are careless, it will not ruin my evening. The lamp is gone, but my peace of mind remains."

This anecdote exemplifies the Stoic practice of distinguishing between what we can control - our reactions and judgments - and what we cannot control - the actions of others and random events. By preferring specific outcomes but accepting whatever happens, we can maintain a sense of tranquillity in the face of life's unpredictability. This mindset helps us navigate daily challenges calmly and resiliently, making our lives more peaceful and fulfilling.