Surrender and find freedom
Possibly, you're stuck in your search for meaning and happiness. Perhaps you think you'll never find it, doomed to live in a pond swimming in the same old circles again and again. There's also a fair chance you don't even know you're trapped in a stagnant pond.
Why? Because you still try to withstand. Instead of embracing your natural path, the path of a human being, you resist the flow of life.
But what if you could surrender to your nature and give in to what is already there, inside of you? What if you could become free by accepting your natural self?
The Stoic way is about living life in accordance with nature. An idea not easy to grasp and many Stoic novices struggle with. Its practical applications are more challenging to comprehend than techniques such as the reserve clause or premeditatio malorum. Nevertheless, understanding what the Stoics mean by "nature" and "living in accordance" with it can help us find peace and tranquility.
Apprehending the concept of living by nature goes deep into Stoicism's heart. It opens the door to the true power of this practical philosophy.
It is the way out of the murky pond, where we transform from a carp to a beautiful bird and spread our wings to fly.
What do Stoics mean by nature?
"You must always bear this in mind: what is the nature of the whole, and what is my nature, and how this is related to that, and what kind of a part it is of what kind of a whole, and that there is no-one who hinders you from always doing and saying the things which are according to the nature of which you are a part." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 2.9
As you may have noticed, Marcus mentioned two parts of nature.
- The nature of a human being.
- The nature of the universe.
Marcus Aurelius also tells us that we must understand how they are related and that human nature is part of the universal nature.
What does it mean? Buckle up; it'll probably change your way of thinking about Stoicism.
What is human nature?
"To the rational animal the same act is according to nature and according to reason." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.11
In Stoicism, human nature means living the life of a rational animal.
Our capacity for reason and utilizing logic to examine our experiences and make decisions ultimately distinguishes us from other creatures and living beings. This is what makes us unique.
Besides our rationality, we also have an inherent social component. Hierocles' circles of concern and the emphasis on a cosmopolitan worldview in Stoicism demonstrate these ideas.
Our individual human nature is part of the universal nature; thus, to live according to nature means conforming to the cosmic laws of the divine logos (the cosmic reason) and following reason.
To sum up, living in accordance with human nature means:
- Using reason and rationality.
- Embracing and living by our social disposition.
- Acknowledging our role within the cosmic nature pervaded by reason.
What is cosmic nature?
"Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom yourself to consider that the nature of the universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are and to make new things like them. For everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.36
Stoics are pantheists and believe that cosmic nature is the all-inclusive external universe composed of incorporeal matter and material substances like plants, animals, and humans.
In essence, it's everything. The things we can and can't see, hear, taste, feel, or smell.
In Stoicism, nature (or the universe) is divine and interrelated with God, given that God is the universe and acts as a spirit within nature, including human life in the form of cosmic reason (logos).
Nature's all-pervasive reason arranges and determines all events within its own well-structured system (of which humans are merely a tiny part).
It's this view where the strong emphasis on accepting fate in Stoicism is derived - everything happens for a reason. God or the universe is ordering itself, changing constantly, and reordering its parts.
The benefits of living in accordance with nature
"No man will hinder you from living according to the reason of your own nature: nothing will happen to you contrary to the reason of the universal nature." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 6.58
Internalizing the Stoic idea of living in accordance with nature is a vast way forward for practicing Stoics. It's a significant shift in perspective that, once moved from our cognitive understanding to spiritual or emotional acquaintance, leads to raised tranquility.
By thinking and acting with reason, we gain wisdom, become free from passions, and attain eudaimonia.
Our belief system changes from being the center of the universe to being a part of it, contributing as best as we can to the health of nature.
I have to admit, for religiously unaffiliated individuals, this worldview can be frightening. Especially as Stoicism isn't widely perceived as spiritual. But once it is settled in, it's incredibly soothing.
The true power of Stoicism lies in its spiritual tenets.
How can you act according to nature?
Living and acting according to nature requires total commitment to Stoic philosophy. It's about cultivating a Stoic mindset, maturing the character traits of a Stoic personality, as well as diving into its spiritual heart.
Below are 5 directions on how you can do that.
Embody Stoicism as a way of life
To reap all of Stoicism's fruits, commit to it as your way of life.
You'll never leave the murky pond if you just pick some techniques occasionally. Your life in the pond will be better; you'll still advance as a carp, but flying away will be unimaginable.
"First, say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." Epictetus, Discourses, 3.23
To escape this modern cherry-picking trap and utilize Stoicism's full force, make it a part of your identity. Define who you are. What values do you have? What are your moral and ethical standards? How do you embody Stoicism?
Your Stoic identity must be crystal-clear to you. A surfer uses every chance to get on his board and into the waves; a Stoic should take every opportunity to practice Stoicism. Ingrain its principles and practices into your daily routine to ensure consistency.
Use reason actively
"In the first place, then, you must purify your own ruling faculty, to match this method of life. Now the material for me to work upon is my own mind; as wood is for a carpenter, or leather for a shoemaker; and my business is, a right use of things as they appear." Epictetus, Discourses, 3.22
Epictetus explains the job of a Stoic practitioner as the proper use of things as they appear. How can you do that? By using rationality to make informed decisions based on reason, not emotions.
Practice the three Stoic disciplines and examine your impressions and initial judgments. Tackle them from different angles to create a well-rounded picture, foster neutral thinking, and commit to seeking the truth.
Before you take action, consider the consequences and ensure you're acting wisely and reasonably, guided by virtue.
Keep your social nature in mind
"The duty of a man is to be useful to his fellow-men; if possible, to be useful to many of them; failing this, to be useful to a few; failing this, to be useful to his neighbours, and, failing them, to himself: for when he helps others, he advances the general interests of mankind." Seneca, Of Leisure, 3
Recognize and accept the responsibilities and roles that life has given you. Whether as a friend, a parent, or a professional, strive to fulfill these roles to the best of your ability. They are part of your natural place in the world. Strive to make choices in harmony with your own well-being and the well-being of others - be helpful under all circumstances.
Write a Stoic mantra, journal, or meditate about your social nature to infuse yourself every day with love and appreciation for humankind.
Consider your part of the greater whole
"Frequently consider the connection of all things in the universe and their relation to one another. For in a manner all things are implicated with one another, and all in this way are friendly to one another. For one thing comes in order after another, and this is by virtue of the active movement and mutual conspiration and the unity of the substance." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 6.38
Stoics not only realized their part of being a citizen in the realm of shared humanity but also their place within the cosmos.
To unlock your full potential and live in accordance with nature, you should become aware of and internalize your role within the universe. Consider the vastness and complexity of the cosmos and how you are a tiny but integral part of it. It'll help you gain perspective and realize that your struggles and emotions are temporary in the grand scheme of things. They soon will be forgotten and transformed into something different.
Always try to see the bigger picture. Has anyone insulted or mistreated you? Good, it's a process of the whole and a test of your Stoic principles. Can you handle it, or do you still have to learn?
Welcome the ever-changing nature
"Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom yourself to consider that the nature of the universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are and to make new things like them. For everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.36
Let your actions be in harmony with your nature (who you are) and the nature of the world (what the world is). Accept and welcome change with arms wide open. You can't escape anyway. Prepare yourself for positive and negative changes, but never be surprised or complain when they occur.
Life is change, and a happy life consists, to a great extent, of accepting what is.
Final thoughts
Living in accordance with nature goes way beyond Stoicism's typical and well-known methods. It's the Stoic invitation to embrace the philosophy to its fullest and with all aspects, far away from quick lifehacks.
If you genuinely want to live by nature, open yourself to spirituality and the divine aspects of humanity and the cosmos. Surrender to something greater than yourself and pave the way for a flourishing life and freedom.
