(i) Mixture, interaction, dispersal; or (ii) unity, order, design.
Suppose (i): Why would I want to live in disorder and confusion? Why would I care about anything except the eventual “dust to dust”? And why would I feel any anxiety? Dispersal is certain, whatever I do.
Or suppose (ii): Reverence. Serenity. Faith in the power responsible.
Meditations 6.10
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the choice between living in harmony with the natural order or succumbing to chaos and disorder. In Meditations 6.10, Marcus Aurelius presents two possibilities: a universe governed by "mixture, interaction, dispersal" or one characterized by "unity, order, design."
The passage reveals that embracing the idea of a universe with "unity, order, design" inspires "Reverence. Serenity. Faith in the power responsible." This mindset allows one to live with a sense of purpose and tranquility, even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence. On the other hand, accepting a universe in disorder leads to indifference and anxiety about the future.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their own perspective: do they see the world as a place of order and interconnectedness, or as a chaotic and meaningless expanse? By choosing to adopt the former view, as suggested in Meditations 6.10, an individual can cultivate a sense of reverence and serenity. This can be achieved by focusing on the present moment, letting go of anxieties about the future, and trusting in the natural order of things.
As a practical exercise, someone could take a few moments today to step outside, observe the natural world, and contemplate the intricate web of relationships that binds everything together. By doing so, they may begin to see the world in a new light, as a place of "unity, order, design," and cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and faith in the natural order.
What is one thing you can do today to align your actions and thoughts with a sense of order and harmony in the world?