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Immoderate Stoic

  • What is Stoicism?
  • Immoderate Stoic Blog
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  • About

Extrasode 5.5: Stoicism and the Blues

As you'll hear in today's extrasode, I have a new job! This is a good thing (a prefered indifferent) but this week it gobbled up all my free time. That said, I did not want simply leave the week silent, so my solution is Ep. 5.5. I read a post I wrote in 2011, titled Stoicism and the Blues. In it, I write about using Stoic thought to combat depression. I've learned more since then, but my general approach to depressive episodes is still the same.

By the way, if you want a good sense of what living with depression is like, or if you do know and want to feel understood, be sure to read Hyperbole and a Half's Depression Part 2. It's amazing.

As always, thank you for your support!

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June 18, 2015 by Matt Van Natta.
  • June 18, 2015
  • Matt Van Natta
  • 1 Comment
1 Comment

Episode 5: A Stoic End to the Day

In this episode I review a common Stoic practice, the Evening (or Retrospective) Meditation. Beginning with the exercise itself, I later cover potential pitfalls if the exercise is misunderstood, and an alternative use that applies to parents.

  • Stoic Spiritual Exercises by Elen Buzare
  • The Evening Meditation: Some Reflections by Donald Robertson
  • Stoic Parenting: Praise the Process by Matt Van Natta

As always, thank you for your support!

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June 4, 2015 by Matt Van Natta.
  • June 4, 2015
  • Matt Van Natta
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Episode 4: What We Control

In this episode I cover the dichotomy of control as found in chapter one of the Enchiridion. I also cover the Stoic practice called "suspension of judgment."

I would like to mention that, although I hold that a dichotomy is the best way to look at what we control, not everyone agrees. If you have read William Irvine's excellent book on modern Stoicism, A Guide to the Good Life, you will have come across the idea of a trichotomy. Massimo Pigliucci recently discussed this concept on his blog. I disagree that the third category is useful, but both men are better philosophers than I so check out the article to see what they're thinking.

SInce the latest episodes have been built around core mental practices that require a full rewiring of our thought processes, I'm stating right now that the next episode will involve a simpler exercise. 

As always, thank you for your support!

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May 21, 2015 by Matt Van Natta.
  • May 21, 2015
  • Matt Van Natta
  • 6 Comments
6 Comments

Episode 3: Attention is Fundamental

In this episode I cover the importance of attention, the fundamental Stoic spiritual attitude. I also cover the Stoic practice called 'Physical Definition,' as derived from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.

Many will be happy to hear that the volume of my favorite Raven has been reduced. May your hearing last as long as you do.

Again, thank you for your support!

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May 7, 2015 by Matt Van Natta.
  • May 7, 2015
  • Matt Van Natta
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Episode 2: A Stoic Start to the Day

Episode 2 is here. This week I cover how to start the day as a Stoic. I discuss morning meditations derived from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca as well as explain the Stoic exercise called the View from Above. As always, positive reviews on iTunes are needed (because it helps other potential listeners find the podcast) and appreciated (because it's kind of you, and gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling). Shares, retweets and such are, of course, also appreciated. Please let me know what you think of the podcast, feedback will help me improve.

For more on the View from Above, see Donald Robertson's blog and listen to his meditation recording. The book Stoic Spiritual Exercises is a wonderful summary of Stoic practices and available through Amazon. Finally, to see the 'pale blue dot' image and read Carl Sagan's words, go here.

Again, thank you for your support!

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April 16, 2015 by Matt Van Natta.
  • April 16, 2015
  • Matt Van Natta
  • 6 Comments
6 Comments
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