Enjoyable quote from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations

HydarnesCCC · 2020-03-18T12:43:48+00:00

This is very, very difficult. It still remains somewhat tough for me, and it's just from how things are. Relatively nothing has happened to me. I walk away from potentially toxic situations as fast as possible, and take the time I need to process what I just avoided. Preserve your sanity as you're only human. Like time, it is most definitely finite.

Count_Morrel · 2020-03-18T13:48:33+00:00

Brilliant post, such thinking restores power to yourself, the power of your own mind and perspective.

R3dd1tSuux · 2020-03-19T01:39:47+00:00

Thank you for sharing this great excerpt and your thoughts. The idea of learning to not desire, to allow things to be, to let them go, is an eternal Truth. An eastern sage reportedly told the Emperor, who asked him to come up with an expression that applied in all situation, these four words:

"This, too, shall pass."

And the story of Roman generals who, after winning a battle and walking triumphant through the streets, had a servant whisper in their ear "memento mori" - "remember death", or "meditate on death."

Part of what makes meditation magical is that is can put us in touch with that within us which timeless, spaceless, unchanging, ever-present. This aspect of ourselves isn't NOT present in every moment, but the mind's busyness tends to mask it. I'll add that an inner-directed question (meditative self-inquiry) can be a spark to the kindling. These could be anything that is a primal, essential question you've wrestled with.

"What happens when I die?"

"What am I, really?"

"Who am I?

"What is the meaning of my life?"

The simpler the question, the more concentrated the flame of your inquiry.

Everyone can practice 1) meditation, 2) meditative self-inquiry, and 3) prayer as they wish. To me, they are separate activities.

Meditation or 'silent sitting' is allowing everything to be as it is, usually with your body still but it can also be moving though usually in a mindful / intentional way. I believe too many people say 'I mediate when I do ___' but are still engaging the mind and not actually letting go of mental effort.
Meditative self-inquiry I believe truly requires fully silent, still sitting to be most effective. It is allowing, with a gentle question that focuses the attention of your consciousness and bypasses the mind. By sitting and then asking any deep, probing question, you are dropping deep into your own soul, to connect with the Soul of the Universe (which I can also call God), and seeking deep spiritual guidance from the Source of Love and Light. This is a bit more active than silent sitting, because you're now dropping a little 'note' on the orchestra's blank page. Like how a single gong or chime draws your attention in an otherwise-still room. You feel the sound - the question - penetrate your to your core - it's speaking to you, but not your conscious mind. This is an aspect of ourselves that few people cultivate while everyone can. Self-inquiry during silent sitting has great revelatory power.
Prayer is more active, generally. There is a connection between your mind and soul, and Source / God/ the Universe. You're offering up prayer or thanksgiving, or both. It can be a much more ecstatic experience, as you're actively connecting and often feeling deep emotions through the process. The more gratitude, love, pain- whatever you're feeling - that you put into your prayers, the more real and powerful they will be. The times I prayed the hardest were when I was in the greatest pain. As I've heard one person say, "I realized the truest prayer I ever made was when I in pain, on the floor, unable to get up." When we've been there, we know what it likes to prayer honestly from our heart and soul.

All of these dimensions of inner work have their own patterns and markers, and whether or not someone is religion, they have real power to transform and improve your life. In addition to reading, I suggest every men going his own way engage in active contemplation, some kind of meditation practice, in prayer, in self-inquiry. I believe many of us do.

Reading this wonderful post, it felt like a good place to add my experience and perspective.

God bless and keep you all, my brothers!

sootlord · 2020-03-18T15:53:13+00:00

Is this the book on his Meditations

Hateussoyboys · 2020-03-18T15:54:30+00:00

Always think, express and phrase positively.

The more you do the more often the outcome will be positiv!

civcinco · 2020-03-18T23:26:56+00:00

Great stuff thanks for sharing. I do believe in God and read / study the bible. I tend to look at it pragmatically and tend to stay away from holy than thou types who are against common sense. There are good ways to live your life to be found in the bible. Good knowledge. This is also good. I like the way he thinks.

Title	Enjoyable quote from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations
Author	BadWardrobe
Upvotes	62
Comments	12
Date	March 18, 2020 12:02 PM UTC (6 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MGTOW
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MGTOW/comments/fkof6q/enjoyable_quote_from_marcus_aurelius_meditations/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MGTOW/enjoyable-quote-from-marcus-aurelius-meditations.365769 https://theredarchive.com/post/365769

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