Stoicism & Cog.Behavioural Therapy to overcome Fear, Anxiety, Depression

“Just keep in mind — the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have” Epictetus

Often called 'the Buddhism' of the West...Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy developed by Zeno of Citium around 300 B.C. It was greatly influenced by the teachings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and other schools of philosophy that preceded them. Famous philosophers of Stoicism include, Zeno of Citium, a former slave, Epictetus, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Roman statesman Seneca The Younger, and the arch-enemy of Julius Caesar, Cato the Younger. The wide variety of these, demonstrates that Stoicism is applicable to all walks of life. 

The philosophy asserts that only Virtue is capable of bringing true happiness and fulfillment. Virtue (ie ethical and moral well-being),  is living in agreement with Nature, and practicing the Four Cardinal Virtues (from Socrates/Plato’s teachings): 

• phronêsis (Practical Wisdom - knowing good from bad) 
• dikaiosunê (Justice, fairness, and kindness in our relations with others.) 
• andreia (Wise courage and endurance in response to our pain and anxiety.)
• s?phrosunê (Temperance - Wise self-discipline in response to our desires.) 

As an ethical doctrine, the goal of Stoicism is freedom from anguish or suffering, through the pursuit of reason and "apatheia" (Greek word meaning dispassionate, objective, unemotional reaction, and clear judgment).

A Stoic realizes that only his/her thoughts and intentions are truly within their sphere of control; everything else is ultimately uncontrollable.

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals and not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own.”

- Epictetus, Discourses, 2.5, 4-5

The ‘Dichotomy of Control’, is a central idea that the Stoics held and practiced. It is also the original concept behind the Christian Serenity Prayer, 

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.

I invite you- every WEDNESDAY, I host a live webinar to empower you to transform fear into freedom through #alkistismethod To join go to: www.alkistis.net/freedom.html to join the "ZoomRoom" & ask me about your specific issue or just to learn from the transformation process of others #greekphilosophy #CBT #fear2freedom #stoicism #transformation #hellenicwelleness #ethos #excellence #agape Which transformation do you want most in your life now?