Let go of fears and anxieties from "summary" of Art of Living by Epictetus,Sharon Lebell
One of the fundamental teachings of Epictetus is the importance of releasing oneself from the grip of fears and anxieties. This concept is rooted in the idea that much of our suffering is self-inflicted, caused by our own irrational beliefs and attachments. By acknowledging and confronting our fears, we can begin the process of letting them go. Epictetus teaches that fears and anxieties are often based on things that are outside of our control. We worry about the future, about what others think of us, about things that have not yet happened or may never happen. By focusing on these external factors, we give them power over us, allowing them to dictate our thoughts and actions. To break free from this cycle, Epictetus advises us to shift our focus inward, to examine our own beliefs and reactions. By questioning the validity of our fears and anxieties, we can start to see them for what they truly are: passing thoughts and emotions, not concrete realities. This shift in perspective allows us to distance ourselves from our fears, to observe them without being consumed by them. In practicing this mental discipline, we learn to accept the uncertainties of life and to embrace them with courage and resilience. Instead of being controlled by our fears, we become masters of our own minds, able to navigate challenges with clarity and composure. This inner strength is the key to living a life of freedom and fulfillment, unburdened by the weight of irrational fears and anxieties.- We open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities. We become more present in the moment, more attuned to our own values and desires. In this state of inner peace, we can fully engage with the world around us, approaching each situation with a sense of calm and confidence. Ultimately, by releasing ourselves from the grip of fears and anxieties, we reclaim our power to shape our own destinies.
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