“The proper work of the mind is the exercise of choice, refusal, yearning, repulsion, preparation, purpose, and assent. What then can pollute and clog the mind’s proper functioning? Nothing but its own corrupt decisions.”
- Epictetus, Discourses, 4.11.6-7
January 7, 2021 7:49 AM
"The Daily Stoic" simply breaks these all down.
Choice : virtuous thoughts and actions
Refusal : learning when to say no
Yearning : to grow and become a better version of yourself
Repulsion : of all that is not virtuous
Preparation : expectations that may lie ahead and acceptance of what may happen
Purpose : our guiding principle and highest priority
Assent : honesty to ourselves about what is within and outside our control
Swept up with the events of yesterday, January 6, 2021, old habit returned. Wasted time on social media. Wasted thought hoping to change others minds. Need to have hourly reminder to free myself from being upset with things outside my control and focus on the things that are in my control.
Conclusion
Our mind is a powerful tool if we allow. Focusing on the above will help you see through the haze that pollutes and corrupts our minds.