HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOURSELF | MARCUS AURELIUS | STOICISM

The Stoic Greeks had the maxim, know thyself. How do we in this digital age come to know ourselves in terms of our personalities and, more importantly, our potential? In this video, you will learn eight transformative Stoic techniques to really know yourself. Utilize this chance to explore your mind's infinite potential. If you are on a journey towards personal growth and deep self-discovery, stick with us until the end. Let us start our journey to becoming more self-aware.

One, watch yourself like you're watching a stranger. Have you ever wondered how differently we might behave if we stepped outside ourselves and observed our actions and reactions as if we were someone else? This idea lies at the heart of a powerful Stoic technique: observing oneself with the detached curiosity of a stranger. We're often tangled in our web of emotions and biases, leading to a clouded view of who we are. Let's break it down.

Imagine you're watching a movie where you are the main character. How would you critique the actions and choices of this character? This shift in perspective allows you to see yourself more objectively, helping you identify habits and reactions that might not align with who you want to be. This isn't about self-criticism but about gaining clarity. When you watch a stranger, you don't have the emotional baggage that comes with self-observation. You see their actions, good or bad, for what they are. This is what we're aiming for: a clear, unbiased view of ourselves.

The Stoics teach us to observe without judgment, like a scientist watching an experiment. When you feel anger rising, step back. Ask yourself, "Why am I angry?" Watch your emotions as if they aren't yours. This practice brings surprising clarity. Instead of being swept away by emotions, you start understanding their roots. It's not about suppressing feelings but understanding them from a distance. This perspective is critical in a world where emotions can be as fleeting as social media trends, yet as impactful as real-life decisions.

This shift in perspective isn't easy, but it's powerful. Remember this Stoic wisdom by Seneca: "We suffer more often in our imagination than in reality." By observing yourself objectively, you reduce unnecessary suffering caused by misconceptions and overreactions, leading to a more peaceful and authentic life.

2. Accept yourself completely. The good, bad, and ugly. You know how, when you look in the mirror, you sometimes focus only on the flaws? It's easy to do that with our personalities, fixating on our mistakes or the parts of us we don't like. This constant self-criticism creates an inner narrative that's far from kind. But here's the thing: true growth starts with accepting every part of yourself, the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly.

It's about acknowledging your whole self without denial or overemphasizing the negatives. Stoicism isn't about just seeing the bright side, it's about seeing the real side. It teaches us to embrace our entire being. When you accept yourself, flaws and all, you're not giving up on improvement. You're starting from a place of honesty. The power to change comes with honesty. As Marcus Aurelius wisely said, "Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom destiny brings you together, but do so with all your heart." This acceptance is the foundation of real transformation.

Try this. Write down your strengths and weaknesses. Don't shy away from the truths you're uncomfortable with. Now look at this list as a map, not as a judgment. Your strengths are your tools, and your weaknesses are opportunities for growth. Instead of beating yourself up over the ugly parts, ask yourself, "How can I grow here?" Self-acceptance doesn't mean stagnation. It means empowering yourself to evolve from a place of understanding and compassion.

Remember, every part of you has a role in your journey. By embracing every aspect of who you are, you set the stage for genuine self-improvement. It's not about becoming someone else. It's about being the best version of you.

3. Challenge yourself constantly, but...