AliveAndWellness

First off, I'd like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'How to think like a Roman Emperor'. So much so, that I purchased the audiobook as well. Your narration was fantastic btw.

I recently experienced an extremely tragic death within the network of people in my life. I won't get more specific than that to retain anonymity.

I've read a fair amount about the prominent Stoic philosophers, and I find that I'm able to apply some of the practical lessons to my normal day-to-day. However, this death has seemed to eclipse my capability of focusing on what I can control and ability to remain calm.

Do you have any advice for staying grounded and keeping natural anxieties in check when life throws an unexpected curveball which has a more forceful effect than usual?

I appreciate the reply and I'll look into the consolation letters genre.

That's a good reminder about taking a step back to observe one's thoughts in an objective manner. I read 'The Untethered Soul' a while back, and I found that to be helpful in understanding how to understand who I am by analyzing my thoughts. It aligns well with Epictetus and his saying you had mentioned. We experience external things, but they do not make us who we are. The subject-object relationship so to speak.

Thanks!