Prohairesis is Greek and translates as “choice”, “will”, or “volition” and was a favored topic of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (50 – 135 AD). Essentially, the concept is that we humans have the ability to make choices, mental and emotional, that determine how we see the world around us. The choices we make about how to interpret events and thus go on to feel and respond are just that: choices and are not predetermined or inevitable.
As you learn to direct and master your mind, your focus, your thoughts, you gain great power, you can take control of your energy, your emotions, your life. You can choose peace of mind and equanimity. You can be cool and calm, content and confident, collected and centered. It’s all about choice and the will to exercise it. It is a very small thing and yet so very impactful. Do it repeatedly, consistently, constantly and its power and your ability to wield it will grow. Ignore it and you will be a rudderless ship, blown here and there by the prevailing winds.
Closing Quotes:
“Control your thoughts and you control your circumstance.” – Robert Collier, 1885-1950, Secret of the Ages
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2, Hamlet speaking
“It is in our power to have no opinion about a thing, and not to be disturbed in our soul; for things themselves have no natural power to form our judgements.” – Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, The last of the Five Good Emperors and the last emperor of the Pax Romana
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier