November 1st, 2021
Don't seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will - then your life will flow well.
It is easy to praise providence for anything that may happen if you have two qualities: a complete view of what has actually happened in each instance and a sense of gratitude. Without gratitude what is the point of seeing, and without seeing what is the object of gratitude?
This message comes as we are about to elect a new president. Accepting one candidate could win over the candidate I have chosen feels like an incredible concession at this point. That is exactly what is needed if events unfold.
I learned through this lesson that Stoicism calls this "the art of acquiescence". To accept rather than fight every little thing.
I also learned that Stoics took this even further by not only accepting what has happened, but to encourage us to enjoy what has happened.
This is an incredible ask. Accepting something we do not favor that has happened can be difficult, but to try to encourage us to enjoy what has happened? No, to love what has happened? This can feel impossible, but is the fastest way to happiness and joy.