The soul as a sphere in equilibrium: Not grasping at things beyond it or retreating inward. Not fragmenting outward, not sinking back on itself, but ablaze with light and looking at the truth, without and within.
Meditations 11.12
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the state of one's soul and how it relates to living well. In Meditations 11.12, Marcus Aurelius describes the ideal state of the soul as "a sphere in equilibrium." This image reveals that living well involves maintaining a state of balance and harmony within oneself.
The passage suggests that this balance is achieved by avoiding two extremes: "grasping at things beyond" and "retreating inward." This means that one should neither be overly attached to external events or desires, nor should one become too withdrawn or isolated. Instead, the soul should be "ablaze with light and looking at the truth, without and within." This phrase implies a state of awareness, clarity, and inner illumination.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their own tendencies towards grasping or retreating. Are there things in your life that you are overly attached to, or are there situations where you tend to withdraw or isolate yourself? Consider how you can cultivate a sense of balance and equilibrium in your own soul. As Marcus Aurelius suggests, this might involve looking at the truth both within and without, and being aware of your own thoughts, emotions, and actions.
In practical terms, this might mean taking a few moments each day to reflect on your values and priorities, and to consider how your actions align with them. It might also involve practicing mindfulness or meditation to cultivate a sense of inner clarity and awareness. By striving for this state of balance and equilibrium, one can live more in accordance with reason and virtue, and thereby live well.
What is one thing you can do today to move closer to this state of balance and inner illumination?