The Blog

We live in a world where it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. Every day, it seems, there’s another headline that shakes us to our core, another story of injustice or suffering that demands our attention. And as much as we want to jump in and make a difference, sometimes, it feels like we’re caught in a whirlwind of emotions that just won’t let us go. “It’s wrong,” we tell ourselves. “It shouldn’t be happening.” But then, we start to ruminate. We find ourselves replaying the same thoughts over and over again, allowing them to consume our every waking moment.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to accept being treated this way. You don’t need to let people take advantage of you or your emotions. And you shouldn’t allow the chaos of the world to overshadow your own mental well being. Instead, you should stand up, speak out, and actively engage in creating change, but do so without letting it trouble your mind excessively.

The Crucial Balance

The challenge lies in finding that balance. On one hand, we must acknowledge the injustices and the problems that plague our society. Ignoring them would be the height of apathy. Or would it? Some people interpret the Stoic philosophy of equanimity and poise, embracing inner calmness amidst chaos, as a license to be indifferent. They think that by practicing self control, they should just sit back and let life happen, without a care in the world. Unfortunately, that interpretation is wrong!

The Stoics were fully engaged in their world. They ran for office, they led armies, and they shaped societies. They didn’t shy away from speaking their minds or getting involved where needed. They didn’t allow the turmoil around them to control their responses. Instead, they used it as fuel for constructive action. Stoicism encourages us to focus on what we can control and to not let our energy be drained by things out of our reach.

Taking Action vs. Ruminating

Let’s dig deeper into that idea of not letting things consume us. There’s a fine line between emotional engagement and ruminating. We often mistake feeling strongly about a situation for actually doing something about it. Emotions are valid, they show us what matters to us and highlight issues worth fighting for, but becoming fixated on them can trap us in negativity.

Think of it this way: when we ruminate, we spin our wheels but go nowhere. It’s like being in a flooded area, surrounded by obstacles, and instead of navigating through them, we just sit in our car, anxious and unable to move forward. The Stoics would suggest that instead of getting hung up on how disheartening the world is, we should focus on what can be done. We should channel that energy into productive veins rather than spiraling further into despair over what’s wrong.

The Power of Reflection

It’s perfectly okay to reflect on things that trouble us and to want to change them. In fact, that desire can be a catalyst for action! But we need to keep our wits about us. You’re not a doormat; you’re not a passive observer. You have agency, and with that comes responsibility, not just to fight injustice but also to protect your mental peace. Remember, while you cannot control what happens around you, you can control how you react to it.

This brings us to the concept of the “inner citadel” that Stoics often discussed. It’s about building a fortress in your mind where you can retreat when the outside world becomes too overwhelming. It’s not about ignoring the problems but rather creating a strong foundation within yourself from which to engage with the world. Instead of letting injustices fester in your mind, fortify yourself, kind of like a knight putting on armour before heading into battle. Equip yourself with clarity, understanding, and strong principles so that when you step into the fray, you can do so confidently and effectively.

Speak Out, But From a Place of Strength

When you stand up and speak out, it’s essential that you do so from a place of strength, not desperation. If you allow yourself to be frazzled and overwhelmed, your message may not carry the power or clarity it needs to make an impact. Engagement should be born out of thoughtfulness and wisdom, not out of reactive anger or frustration.

So, how do we do this?

• Practice mindfulness: Being aware of your thoughts and emotions can help you recognise when you are spiralling. Acknowledge your feelings without letting them take over.
• Set boundaries: It’s crucial to know when to step back. If you feel like you’re being overwhelmed by negativity, take a break. Consume news mindfully, set limits on your media intake, and allow yourself time to digest what you’ve learned before reacting.
• Focus on solutions: Rather than getting lost in the problem, always ask yourself, “What can I do about this?” This shifts your attention from ruminating to doing.

Embracing Compassion, Not Despair

Let’s also talk about compassion, a quality often highlighted in discussions about social justice. It’s one thing to feel sorry for someone who is suffering, but feeling that compassion should inspire action, not lead you into a pit of despair. Stoics viewed compassion through the lens of community and action; they believed that expressing care for others was not just a feeling but a call to do something meaningful.

So how do you balance compassion with mental resilience? You recognise that while the suffering of others is real and painful, becoming a vessel for every heavy emotion won’t help you or them. The more peace you cultivate in your life, the more effective you can be in helping others. You must look after yourself before you can look after others.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In conclusion, we must acknowledge the world we live in; we cannot turn a blind eye to injustice or suffering. However, we must also remember that our minds are delicate ecosystems that need nurturing. Rather than letting troubling thoughts consume us, we can stand firmly in our convictions without losing our inner peace.

You are powerful. You have the ability to influence the world around you. So don’t let it trouble your mind. Instead, harness that energy to stand up, speak out, and engage with life fully and thoughtfully. After all, how you respond to the world is your choice. Take control and make it a good one!