Andrew, you published this in the middle of a life transition for me and I have been wrestling with it a lot over the last few weeks. My oldest son graduated high school May 18th and left for Army basic training on June 2nd. You published this in the middle of that and I read it when it came out and I have been wrestling with it in my mind ever since.
I have been a single dad since my oldest son was 10 years old. For the past 9 years my two sons and I have been a trio enjoying life's experiences and I've tried teaching them everything I could before they go apply it in the "real world". One of them going off to start their own path in life, and the other only 2 years away from doing the same, is definitely an opportunity for me to reflect and learn. I've studied stoicism for many years and practiced and applied it as much as I can, but for me a son leaving the home is probably the first real test of this principle you write about here.
Things definitely do change and all things do come to an end. What I'm finding out though is that this has to happen for growth to happen. We definitely don't have to be callous or heartless about change. Look for the opportunities in it. Like you mentioned, look back and appreciate all the experiences and value you gained along the way to get to this point, and especially take the time to appreciate the thing was in your life.
In addition to looking back with appreciation, I have also begun to look forward for the opportunities to grow. I'm already learning lots of new things as my life changes. I'll learn how to handle the new way I can be a dad to my sons. I'll learn how to live my life with them off living their own, learning their own lessons, and making their own mistakes. I can be there when they need, and what a privilege it will be to watch them develop and find their way in this world. It will also be a great opportunity for myself to grow and explore new things in many ways. What a privilege that is.
Thank you for helping us wrestle with these principles and ideas. I hope you didn't lose too many by presenting it to us. I gained a lot from reading it, thinking about it, reading it again, and it was very timely for it to come out in the middle of one of my life's big changes.
Impermanence and the vast implications thereof are enough to shock one out of numbed stupor, and the four thoughts that turn the mind, including the swift and sure arrival of death, serve as an antidote to cheap and easy dishonesty.
This perfectly says why I’ve been drawn to stoicism but have been unable to express adequately to anyone else
So glad it was useful!
Phenomenal. Death contemplation brings life appreciation. Profound piece as always
Thanks!
I really enjoyed your explanation of this concept and perspective. Thanks Andrew!
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.
Andrew, you published this in the middle of a life transition for me and I have been wrestling with it a lot over the last few weeks. My oldest son graduated high school May 18th and left for Army basic training on June 2nd. You published this in the middle of that and I read it when it came out and I have been wrestling with it in my mind ever since.
I have been a single dad since my oldest son was 10 years old. For the past 9 years my two sons and I have been a trio enjoying life's experiences and I've tried teaching them everything I could before they go apply it in the "real world". One of them going off to start their own path in life, and the other only 2 years away from doing the same, is definitely an opportunity for me to reflect and learn. I've studied stoicism for many years and practiced and applied it as much as I can, but for me a son leaving the home is probably the first real test of this principle you write about here.
Things definitely do change and all things do come to an end. What I'm finding out though is that this has to happen for growth to happen. We definitely don't have to be callous or heartless about change. Look for the opportunities in it. Like you mentioned, look back and appreciate all the experiences and value you gained along the way to get to this point, and especially take the time to appreciate the thing was in your life.
In addition to looking back with appreciation, I have also begun to look forward for the opportunities to grow. I'm already learning lots of new things as my life changes. I'll learn how to handle the new way I can be a dad to my sons. I'll learn how to live my life with them off living their own, learning their own lessons, and making their own mistakes. I can be there when they need, and what a privilege it will be to watch them develop and find their way in this world. It will also be a great opportunity for myself to grow and explore new things in many ways. What a privilege that is.
Thank you for helping us wrestle with these principles and ideas. I hope you didn't lose too many by presenting it to us. I gained a lot from reading it, thinking about it, reading it again, and it was very timely for it to come out in the middle of one of my life's big changes.
How anti-misanthropic! Well done!
Nice! The buddhists seem to agree, in my opinion.
Impermanence and the vast implications thereof are enough to shock one out of numbed stupor, and the four thoughts that turn the mind, including the swift and sure arrival of death, serve as an antidote to cheap and easy dishonesty.