The term "Modern Stoicism" is commonly used to refer to the revival of interest in the 2000-year old Stoic philosophy and the efforts to adjust Ancient Stoicism to the language and framework of the present. The movement continues to gain popularity by making the ancient teachings more accessible and by…
I am a barista. I work in a small coffee shop. From early morning, the smell of freshly ground beans charges the air. The aroma soothes and the caffeine energizes, people relax at tables and others jostle to be served. People really love coffee these days and I love to…
The feeling of insecurity is a constant threat to contentedness. We feel insecure about money, relationships, careers and a whole collection of other things that we believe need to be perfect before we can relax. Some common reasons we might give for feeling insecure are: I don't have enough money…
There’s a chapter in Anthony de Mello’s The Way to Love entitled Become Like Children. It outlines how a child can be influenced to lose its innocence and subsequently live a life that is so dependent on externals that they never truly know who they are. This may sound like…
When 12-year-old Emily Scott was diagnosed with scoliosis, her family opted for private treatment due to the waiting times associated with the UK health service. Going private, however, proved no advantage as COVID-19 put a halt to the services Emily was relying on. Left in limbo, and being told she…
If you're an avid podcast listener and a student of the Stoics, you're probably always on the look out for good Stoicism podcasts to plug into. If you're not familiar with them, podcasts are a great way to absorb information when reading isn't convenient. That could be while driving, while…
I sometimes get into a cloudy state of mind. Everything feels a bit greyer at these times and certain things don't seem to matter as much. It's usually brief, the clouds pass, but until then it's uncomfortable. The good thing about these periods is that they're a natural indicator that…
You’re a genius, fantastic, such an amazing person. That felt good to hear didn’t it? Well, I was lying - you suck, you’re terrible, just awful. That didn’t feel so good, right? Those feelings would probably be even more intense if someone was saying these things to you in person.…
No one enjoys the discomfort of ridicule. To be derided by someone you don’t know can be painful. When it’s someone you do know it can hurt even more. Ridicule is sent with different intentions by the aggressor - it can range from playful to sinister - but the intention…
Never drink a cappuccino after 11am. Ask for a latte in a cafe and you’ll get a glass of milk. Just want an espresso? Don’t order an espresso - order a caffè. Italy’s coffee culture can seem strange to the uninitiated (or just un-Italian). There are rules and traditions that…