Think of Yourself as Dead
You have lived your life.
The ‘Neuroscience-based Tools’, ‘Lead to Win’ & the Le Monde Élégant social skills sections are companions for The Stoic Manual to enhance your physical and psychological health, vitality, stress resilience, discipline, focus, motivation, and refine your people skills, relationships & leadership skills for a distinguished life—by Dr. Antonius Veritas
"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left and live it properly. What doesn't transmit light creates its own darkness." ― Marcus Aurelius
A lot happens when we die: decomposition, worms, a foul smell.
But I want you to contemplate what happens to the realm of sensation.
Observe.
Fear has no hold of you when you're dead. Neither does any other destructive thought, impulse, feeling.
Dead people don't complain, react to assholes who insult them, or supplicate for what they don't possess.
They are, in a sense, invincible to the vagaries of the world.
Apply that to life.
The lack of overwhelm by feeling puts you in a solid position to make good decisions, without the tag of selfish interest, pride, hate or greed ripping your limbs from your core.
It helps you endure discomfort for the greater good and dare to love humanity enough to want to excel in your craft — how you serve people, relationships — how you fight for your people, and self-mastery — how you live with yourself.
"This is our big mistake, to think we look forward to death; most of death is already gone, whatever time has passed is owned by death," Seneca said.
It's a fitting reminder that we've probably been living below our potential, a sub-optimal and boring life.
We risk leaving this world in such a tasteless manner.
And this realization should jolt us into radical action that should beautify the rest of our existence.
This doesn't mean you can't or won’t feel discomfort, pain or temptation.
You will.
But you can handle it within its menacing proportion by choosing to see yourself as already dead, lucky to have a second chance at life.
By choosing not to over-blow it in your imagination and to live properly: with courage, wisdom, discipline, justice and a keen eye on what matters most.
Freedom.
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Have a great week ahead,
Antonius Veritas.
What I’m listening to:
On time. I’m a slow reader and I’m going to need to read this several more times before I can harvest the seeds of possibilities.
My mind is spinning in inspiration, reflection and contemplation all at the same time. I’ve paused, and allowed myself to focus on what resonates with the greatest intensity. I’m in a crisis and I need me to show up for me! I’m grateful for the first read, and the you the author for sharing it with us.
Note: Depression is not a thing that has a quick fix. It is not something a person is at fault for. No one can tell you how to cure your depression. We're all built differently and need an individualized approach to healing. And it can't always be overcome by a change in thinking.