‘How else, after all, could things take place with such regularity, as if God were issuing orders? When he tells plants to bloom, they bloom, when he tells them to bear fruit, they bear fruit, when he tells them to ripen, they ripen. Similarly, when he tells them to drop their fruit, shed their leaves, draw in and lie dormant for the winter, all that they do too. [4] How else explain that the waxing and the waning of the moon, and the coming and going of the sun, coincide with such obvious changes and fluctuations here on earth?
Discourses 1.14.3
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the alignment with nature and the acceptance of the natural order of things. As Epictetus notes in Discourses 1.14.3, the natural world operates with regularity, as if "God were issuing orders." This passage reveals that living well involves recognizing and embracing the inherent order and cycle of life.
The Stoic reasoning behind this is that we should strive to live in harmony with nature, rather than resisting or fighting against it. By observing the natural world, we can learn to accept the ebbs and flows of life, just as the plants bloom, bear fruit, and shed their leaves in accordance with the seasons.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on the areas of their life where they are resisting or struggling against the natural order of things. Are there circumstances that are beyond their control, yet they are expending energy trying to change or fight them? By letting go of this resistance and accepting the natural flow of life, they can conserve their energy and focus on what is within their control.
As a practical exercise, someone might take a few moments today to observe the natural world around them, noticing the way the light changes, the sounds of birds or water, or the feel of the breeze on their skin. By cultivating a sense of connection to the natural world, they can begin to internalize the lesson of living in harmony with the cycles of life. As Epictetus suggests, this can help them to move in tune with the natural order, rather than trying to impose their will upon it.
What is one area of your life where you feel like you are struggling against the natural order of things, and how might you begin to let go of that resistance today?