How to Stay Calm in Uncertain Times

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty that surrounds us. Whether it’s the stress of a global pandemic, political unrest, or personal challenges, it’s easy to feel anxious and unsettled. However, it’s important to remember that we have the tools to navigate these challenges and maintain a sense of calm. One of the greatest sources of wisdom on this topic comes from the Roman Emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius. In this article, we’ll explore his teachings on “How to Stay Calm in Uncertain Times” and how you can apply them to your own life.

Embracing the Present Moment

One of the key teachings of Marcus Aurelius is the importance of embracing the present moment. He believed that by focusing on the here and now, we can eliminate the anxiety that comes from worrying about the past or the future. In his Meditations, he wrote, “Forget everything else. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see.”

Acceptance

The first step to embracing the present moment is acceptance. Marcus Aurelius believed that we should accept things as they are and not deny reality. He wrote, “Something happens to you. Good. It was meant for you by nature, woven into the pattern from the beginning.” By accepting that everything that happens to us is meant to happen, we can more easily accept our current situation and feel more calm knowing that where we are right now is where we are meant to be.

Mindfulness

Another key aspect of embracing the present moment is mindfulness. Marcus Aurelius believed that we should focus on our next action and do it with the best of intentions and to the best of our ability. He wrote, “What is certain is what you are working on right now, and if you do it with the best of intentions and to the best of your ability, that’s the most that you can do, and fate will handle the rest.”

Discrimination

Lastly, Marcus Aurelius emphasized the importance of discrimination, which means being able to differentiate between things that are in our control and things that are not. He wrote, “Remember, nothing belongs to you but your flesh and blood—and nothing else is under your control.” By focusing on what we can control and letting go of the rest, we can feel more calm and at peace.

Valuing the Right Things

Another important teaching of Marcus Aurelius is the importance of valuing the right things. He believed that we should focus on living virtuously and being a good person, rather than seeking wealth, fame, or the approval of others. He wrote, “Don’t treat anything as important except doing what your nature demands, and accepting what Nature sends you.”

Judgment

Marcus Aurelius believed that we should be smart about what we judge as important. He wrote, “When we value the right things as important, such as living virtuously and being a good person, we feel more calm and peaceful, because being a good person is always under our control.”

Adaptability

Lastly, Marcus Aurelius believed in the importance of adaptability. He wrote, “Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?…It’s just the same with you—and just as vital to nature.” By accepting that change is natural and mandatory for growth, we can feel more calm and at peace.

Practicing the Virtues

By practicing these five virtues—acceptance, mindfulness, discrimination, judgment, and adaptability—we can be more like Marcus Aurelius and embrace change and stay calm, even in uncertain times.