Does practicing indifference mean turning into an emotionless robot? Nope, not even close. It’s more about knowing what to focus on and letting go of the stuff you can’t control. But I get it—when you hear “indifference,” it can sound cold like you’re shutting off your feelings. That’s not the case at all. Emotions are part of being human, right? The trick is figuring out how to feel without letting those feelings run the whole show.
What Stoicism Says About Emotions
Here’s the thing. Stoicism doesn’t say, “Stop feeling emotions.” It’s not about burying your feelings six feet under or pretending they don’t exist. Instead, it’s about managing them, like a captain steering a ship through rough seas. You cannot stop the waves, you do have some influence over how you go through them.
Think of it this way: emotions are like guests at a party. Some are fun and uplifting (happiness, excitement), while others are that guy who eats all the snacks and complains about the music (anger, jealousy). Stoicism teaches you to welcome the good ones and handle the annoying ones politely, without letting them trash your place.
So yeah, feel your feelings. Just don’t let them wreck the house.
Stressing Less Without Bottling It All Up
But how do you stop stressing without bottling things up like a shaken soda can? That’s the million-dollar question. Bottling up emotions doesn’t make them go away—it just delays the explosion. And nobody wants to deal with that mess.
Here are a few ideas (that actually work):
- Acknowledge What You Feel: First off, admit you’re feeling something. Sounds basic, but a lot of us try to skip this step. Angry because your friend bailed on dinner plans? Frustrated over a failed project? Say it out loud (even if it’s just to yourself). “I’m mad,” or “I’m disappointed.” Naming the feeling takes away some of its power.
- Ask Yourself: “Can I Control This?”: This is where Stoicism really shines. If you can control the situation—great, do something about it. If you can’t, then stressing over it won’t help anyway. Take a deep breath, maybe two. It’s like hitting the mental pause button.
- Find Healthy Outlets: Got pent-up emotions? Let them out, but in a way that doesn’t hurt you (or anyone else). Write in a journal, punch a pillow, or go for a run. Seriously, running works wonders. It’s like shaking the stress loose from your brain.
- Talk It Out: Sometimes, you need to vent. Find someone who’ll listen, not someone who’ll try to “fix” everything. Bonus points if they can make you laugh.
A Real-Life Example
Imagine you’re stuck in traffic, and some guy cuts you off. Your first reaction? Pure rage. You’re gripping the steering wheel, muttering words that shouldn’t be repeated. Totally normal, by the way. But then you ask yourself, “Can I change this?” Nope. That jerk is long gone. So why waste your energy fuming? Instead, turn up your favorite song and keep driving. You’ll feel better.
Why It’s Okay to Feel
At the end of the day, emotions aren’t the enemy. They’re signals—your brain’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention to this!” The key is to listen without letting those signals hijack your day. Stoicism is about balance. It’s not about building walls around your heart; it’s about opening the right doors and shutting the wrong ones.
Conclusion
Indifference doesn’t mean you stop feeling. And yes, you can let go of stress without bottling everything up. It’s all about focusing on what you can handle and letting the rest slide. Easier said than done, sure, but totally worth the trouble.
As Marcus Aurelius said: “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you’ll find strength.”
If you’re intrigued by how Stoicism helps us navigate life’s challenges without becoming emotionless, you’ll love our in-depth guide on The Power of Indifference. This article dives deeper into the Stoic mindset, offering practical examples and beginner-friendly strategies to embrace indifference and focus on what truly matters. Learn how to transform your perspective, master emotional balance, and find strength in letting go of what you can’t control.
