The Sunday Stoic: On the Art of Relocating and Changing

In today's world, most people live and work far from their hometowns. You might be one of them, born in Madrid but now calling Maryland home, or perhaps you grew up in Detroit and are now live your days in Dallas. Each year, over 300,000 people move internationally, and when you consider moves within a country, that number rises into the millions. Moving places, whether for work or studies, often make us ponder who we are. For instance, if you grew up in Michigan and are now studying in Illinois, you might culturally identify as a "Michigander", but when working on the West Coast, you may feel like a "Midwesterner", and when traveling abroad, you're simply an American. That's why having a thought framework can be really helpful during these transitions.

Let's start by talking about "Janambhoomi," a Sanskrit word that means 'birthplace.' It's where life begins, a big part of who you are, and often the first place you think of as 'home.' When we're little, we usually see the place of our birth and schooling as 'home.' In Hindi, it's called 'desh,' and in Urdu, it's 'watan.' This place becomes a deep part of us. So, when you travel and meet someone from your background, you instantly feel connected. Imagine being in a foreign country and hearing someone speak the language of your hometown—it's an instant connection, isn't it? Basically, where you grew up is the most familiar and special to you.

Now, let's explore "Karmabhoomi," which translates to the 'land of work or action.' This is where most grown-ups spend the majority of their lives – putting in long hours, building their careers, and taking care of their families. Imagine bustling places like Silicon Valley, where people from all corners of the world come to work and live. When you leave your homeland and settle in a new land, known as 'videsh' in Hindi or 'vilayat' in Urdu, it gradually becomes your new home. Over time, this adopted land can even become the Janambhoomi for your kids. Put plainly, the place you pick as your "Karmabhoomi" molds not only your future but also your family's future.

Let's delve into Stoicism, a philosophy known for its peripatetic thinkers. Zeno, the first Stoic, originated from Cyprus in 334 BC. A shipwreck en route to Athens left him destitute and stranded there. Despite adversity, he flourished in Athens, studying under various philosophers and founding the Stoic school around 300 BC. Remarkably, Athens honored him with a statue bearing the inscription "Zeno of Citium" to acknowledge his non-Athenian roots. Musonius Rufus (30-101 AD), another Stoic, journeyed from Volsinii to Rome, faced exile in Asia Minor, and ultimately returned to Rome. Likewise, Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) relocated to Rome after his father's death, learning Stoicism from Rufus's writings and becoming a respected philosopher-emperor. Epictetus (50-135 AD), once a slave in Hierapolis, moved to Rome and later to Nicopolis, Greece, establishing a Stoic school. These tales of mobility exemplify how one can leave a lasting impact while traversing diverse landscapes.

In today's world, akin to the Stoic philosophers of ancient times, modern-day professionals often embark on journeys for work, retirement, or various other reasons, willingly immersing themselves in diverse cultures. Achieving a delicate equilibrium between their roots and their new environments is of utmost importance. Consider, for instance, a highly-skilled expatriate working in the United States. In their adopted homeland, they mist adjust their communication and work style to align with American culture while preserving their ties to their heritage. These cross-cultural connections not only facilitate assimilation but also nurture meaningful relationships with people from many backgrounds, fostering the exchange of unique perspectives. This ability to move underscores our capacity to thrive in a world marked by constant change, and is a win-win for all.

In closing, relocating to new places is something people have been doing for ages. Whether you move nearby or far away, in your desh or in vilayat, who you are keeps evolving, depending on where you're from and where you choose to go. While everything around you keeps changing, your roots, where you come from, give you a strong base, and where you decide to live can bring you new opportunities. Chances are, you've moved at least once in your life and gone through some big changes. So, I suggest taking a moment this week to think about how these changes have made you better and helped you live a more productive life.

The views expressed in this essay are my own. They do not represent the views of any individuals, employers, or organizations I may be affiliated with. While I am not an expert in Stoicism, in my personal time, I find value in reading and writing about it for personal growth and self-reflection. If you have any thoughts on combining Stoicism and leadership, I welcome your input via LinkedIn messaging. And if you found this essay helpful, please share it on your LinkedIn profile to raise awareness about Stoicism. Thank you for supporting this essay series.