Stoic philosophy was created as an antidote – a psychological treatment – for times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Its lessons have endured for two thousand years because they are eminently practical, grounded, and inarguable.

In this four-week online course, Mark Matousek guides you through four essential Stoic principles to help you stay balanced and focused in this period of global challenge.  Drawing on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Montaigne, and Emerson, each session begins with an introductory lecture followed by two writing exercises designed to increase personal insight. Mark will focus on practical strategies for incorporating these time-honored lessons.

This course will help you:

~ Worry less about the things you cannot control
~ Take the ‘overhead view’ of hardship
~ Turn your obstacles upside down through ingenuity
~ Accept your life with all of its imperfections
~ Overcome negative emotions and destructive stories
~ Practice virtue in the face of evil

Known for providing deep insight on the path of self-discovery, Mark creates a safe, supportive atmosphere of self-inquiry in his courses. This thought-provoking series is a great opportunity to strengthen resilience in everyday life using tools for maintaining wellness and balance no matter what comes your way.  Please join us!

Lesson Overview:

Week One: Protect Your Inner World
No one can disrupt your inner world without your permission. But first, you must recognize the limits of your power, and exercise self-control in allowing outside events to shape you. This first session includes an overview of the Stoic path to resilience, and ideas for how you can guard your mind and heart in the midst of negativity and outrage.

Week Two: Turn Your Obstacles Upside Down
Every situation contains the seeds of its own potential solutions. Paradoxically, it’s by confronting adversity without evasion, including worst case scenarios, that the optimal way forward is revealed, as you learn in this second session. Imagination and ingenuity are key to this process.

Week Three: Move Beyond Hatred and Polarization
“What is bad for the bee is bad for the hive,” noted the emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Even in the face of extreme polarization, it’s possible to maintain a view of the whole and safeguard our humanity. This week, we focus on the divisions within that prevent you from recognizing unity with others, including those who don’t share your views.

Week Four: Be Happy with the Life You Have
The timeless practice of Amor fati – learning to love your present existence with all its imperfections – is essential to resilience and adaptation. In this final session, we look at the Stoic teachings on this essential practice, and accepting conditions as they are to increase adaptability, wellness, and insight. Coming to love the life you have is a major step toward self-realization.