(But what are you doing here, Perceptions? Get back to where you came from, and good riddance. I don’t need you. Yes, I know, it was only force of habit that brought you. No, I’m not angry with you. Just go away.)
Meditations 7.17a
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the management of one's thoughts and perceptions. In Meditations 7.17a, Marcus Aurelius addresses his perceptions directly, telling them to "get back to where you came from, and good riddance." This reveals a key insight: that we have the power to dismiss unwanted thoughts and perceptions, rather than being controlled by them.
As Marcus Aurelius notes, these perceptions often arise from "force of habit." This suggests that our thoughts and feelings can be driven by automatic patterns, rather than by reason or virtue. By recognizing this, we can begin to break free from these habits and cultivate a greater sense of inner control.
To apply this insight today, consider the thoughts and perceptions that arise in your mind. When you notice yourself getting caught up in unwanted or unhelpful patterns of thinking, remember that you have the power to dismiss them. As Marcus Aurelius says, "I don't need you" - we don't need these thoughts to dictate our actions or emotions. By letting go of our attachment to these perceptions, we can create space for more rational and virtuous thinking.
A practical way to apply this today might be to take a few moments of quiet reflection, noticing the thoughts and perceptions that arise in your mind. When you encounter one that is unwanted or unhelpful, simply observe it and let it go, rather than engaging with it or trying to suppress it. As you do this, ask yourself: what would I be like if I were free from the influence of these habitual thoughts and perceptions?