Mornings With The Stoics

Part 1. Seneca: Polishing our gem

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man without trials. ―Seneca

This quote from Seneca provides me with inner strength in my most sunken times. I've had many times when I have felt like an unpolished gem indeed. It's words like this, that remind me of how everything is made good If I alter how I see them. It feels at times, that the barrage of complexity and failure never ends. It's hard but not impossible to maintain composure, and a balanced mindset at these times. Hardships are inevitable in this life. Struggles are a part of living that encompasses the enigma of life.

In the words of Seneca, we are encouraged to see the benefits hidden within our struggles. We all face difficulties. Their presence in our lives is a fact. Hence we must find ways of dealing with them with dignity, and stability. In this quote, we're made aware of the power of our mindset. The power for us to make the best out of a situation, and see the good. In them, we may have the fire needed to furnish our will and strength. Strength much needed to overcome the hurdles of life.

The tension experienced in times of distress. The lack of hope can often be a catalyst to energize our determination and will. This quote carries an energy of hope amidst times of hopelessness. It encourages us to never let the shadows of adversities dim our light for positive change. There are times in our lives when we rest deep in the throes of hopelessness. When all anticipation for resolution of our troubles seems pointless.

It's important to note that in every ill-fate goodness can be found. It is inherent in the duality of the notion of good and bad. In the bad, there must be good. Like yin and yang, they are inseparable qualities. Our jobs are to clear the fog of our thinking to allow the good to shine through.

We can transmute our adversity into triumph and adventure if we shift our perspective on it. We cannot control external forces. But our will; if not altered by medication, drugs, or mental illness; is always within our control.

Contemplation:

What main challenges are you facing currently?

In what way can you grow stronger from this experience?

In what ways have you grown as a person from this experience?