The Stoic idea of living in alignment with our values from "summary" of Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson
Living in alignment with our values is a central concept in Stoicism. This idea entails ensuring that our thoughts, actions, and decisions are guided by our core principles and beliefs. In other words, it means living a life that is consistent with what we consider to be truly important and meaningful. To achieve this alignment, Stoics emphasize the importance of self-reflection and introspection. By examining our values and understanding what truly matters to us, we can begin to make choices that are in harmony with our beliefs. This process involves identifying the virtues that we hold dear, such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, and striving to embody these qualities in our daily lives. Living in alignment with our values also requires us to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and awareness. By being present in the moment and mindful of our thoughts and actions, we can better assess whether we are acting in accordance with our principles. This practice enables us to make conscious decisions that are in line with our values, rather than being driven by impulses or external influences. Another important aspect of living in alignment with our values is accepting that we cannot control everything that happens to us. Stoics believe that while we may not have power over external events, we do have the ability to choose how we respond to them. By focusing on what is within our control – namely, our thoughts, attitudes, and actions – we can live a life that is congruent with our values, regardless of external circumstances.- The Stoic idea of living in alignment with our values is about living authentically and intentionally. It requires us to be true to ourselves, to cultivate virtues that are important to us, and to make choices that reflect our deepest convictions. By striving to align our thoughts and actions with our values, we can cultivate a sense of inner harmony and fulfillment, regardless of the challenges we may face.
