Episode 10: Coping with Grief and Death
Improving our mindset by studying Stoic Philosophy and being more mindful of our emotions can help us better cope with grief and death. We can have a radical acceptance of that which happens around us recognizing what is outside of our control and enduring adversity so as to not be overcome by chance events. We can seek an inner happiness, contentment, through acceptance and focus on our mindset and the things we can control. In recognizing our own mortality, we can be compelled to live a good life rather than squandering our time. We can think of death as an inevitable change largely outside of our control and apply this perspective to the loss of friends. We can grieve but not be overwhelmed with grief for a long time and recognize that the degree of grief will likely fade with time. We can value benefits we have accrued from our lost friends and treasure the friendships we currently have enjoying our friendships now before the time is too late and we have missed the moment. We can also think of our deaths simply as non-existence and a deep peace similar to a painless experience prior to our lives beginning. My Stoic Philosophy series explores the philosophical tradition of Stoicism with goals to inform, empower, and help others benefit from the practical wisdom of Ancient Greek, Roman, and modern thinkers. I tackle many topics including handling adversity, finding meaning in life, working toward contentment, dealing with change, anger, and gratitude. Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content: Main website: http://www.justinvacula.com SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justinvacula Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/justinvacula Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/justinvacula Support: Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/ Like, share, subscribe! Epictetus' Discourses: https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Epictetus-Handbook-Fragments-Everymans/dp/0460873121/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478049820&sr=8-2&keywords=epictetus+discourses Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Thrift-Editions-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493590216&sr=8-1&keywords=marcus+aurelius+meditations Seneca's Letters to a Stoic https://www.amazon.com/Senecas-Letters-Stoic-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486811247/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493590249&sr=8-3&keywords=seneca+letters+from+a+stoic Stoic Philosophy – Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: http://www.iep.utm.edu/stoicism/ Massimo Pigliucci's Stoicism blog: https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/ Stoic Philosophy Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stoicism/