☀️ Stoic Morning Minute: You Are Not Your Thoughts

Why becoming the observer of your thoughts changes everything

Don't let the force of an impression carry you away. Say to it, 'hold on — let me see what you really are. Let me put you to the test.'

Epictetus

💭 Modern Translation

Most people believe they are their thoughts and emotions. When anger rises, they become anger. When anxiety hits, they become anxiety. The Stoics knew the secret: you're not your thoughts—you're the consciousness observing them. This slight shift in perspective is like gaining a superpower over your internal experience.

⚡️ Your Move

Practice the observer stance today: When a strong emotion or thought arises, mentally say "I notice I'm having the thought that..." or "I observe feeling..." Don't fight the feeling—just watch it with curiosity. This tiny shift creates distance between you and your internal weather, letting you respond rather than react.

🤔 Today's Question

What part of your identity would shift if you saw yourself as the observer of your experiences rather than being defined by them?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Keep observing,

Jon

—Today’s newsletter is sponsored by MECO.

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