Lift me up and hurl me. Wherever you will. My spirit will be gracious to me there—gracious and satisfied—as long as its existence and actions match its nature.
Is there any reason why my soul should suffer and be degraded—miserable, tense, huddled, frightened? How could there be?
Meditations 8.45
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the nature of inner strength and resilience. In Meditations 8.45, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the idea of being lifted up and hurled by external forces, yet remaining "gracious and satisfied" as long as his spirit acts in accordance with its nature. This reveals that living well is not about being in control of external events, but about maintaining inner integrity and alignment with one's values.
The passage suggests that the key to living well is to cultivate a spirit that is "gracious to me there—gracious and satisfied" regardless of circumstances. This implies a deep sense of acceptance and inner peace, which can be achieved by focusing on what is within one's control, namely, one's own thoughts, emotions, and actions. As Marcus Aurelius asks, "Is there any reason why my soul should suffer and be degraded—miserable, tense, huddled, frightened?" The answer is no, and this realization can be liberating.
To apply this insight today, one might ask themselves: What are the things that are within my control, and how can I focus on those to maintain my inner strength and resilience? How can I let go of the need to control external events and instead cultivate a sense of acceptance and inner peace? By reflecting on these questions, one can begin to live in greater alignment with their values and nature, and find a sense of satisfaction and gratitude regardless of the challenges that arise.
As you go about your day, consider this: What is one thing you can do today to align your actions with your nature, and find a sense of inner peace and satisfaction, regardless of external circumstances?