Dynamic Life Systems

It's Not Supernatural. It's Not Spiritual; It's Stoicism

Aside from being often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of its era and synonymous with the theme intro for the long-running TV show Supernatural, the classic song from Kansas is an excellent lyrical look at Stoic philosophy.

According to songwriter Kerry Livgren in an interview with norselandsrock.com, "The song was not written to express anything specifically religious. More precisely, the music sounds spiritual searching, and Livgren would claim that his songwriting up to that point was all about 'searching' in some way." And it is in this way I find so much Stoic ideology in the verses.

The song opens with the lyrics.
"Carry on, my wayward son. There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest. Don't you cry no more, no?" and then is repeated as the chorus.

Marcus Aurelius himself could have penned such words in his journal, which we now read and refer to as Mediations. In Mediations, you find all these prompts and reminders. Marcus writes to himself that this man had seen the ravages of war, was betrayed by people he loved, buried four of his children, worked in a toxic environment of the Roman senate, and had his reign marked by natural disaster and the plague.

But despite all this, Marcus kept getting out of bed each morning, pushing himself to do so early. He carried on, knowing when his time came, he would find peace.

Lyrics like "Once I rose above the noise and confusion
To get a glimpse beyond this illusion," showcase to me the stoic values of knowing what internal and external controls is and to look at things as they are, not how you or the world around you perceives them to be.

"How good these perceptions are at getting to the heart of the real thing and penetrating through it, so you can see it for what it is!"
― Marcus Aurelius

"Masquerading as a man with a reason, My charade is the event of the season, And if I claim to be a wise man, well, It surely means that I don't know". Another superb example of the Stoic reminder that wisdom comes only through learning the things you do not know and those that claim they do know nothing at all.

"I know only one thing: that I know nothing."
― Socrates

"On a stormy sea of moving emotion Tossed about, I'm like a ship on the ocean I set a course for winds of fortune" This is perhaps the most direct inspiration I find when I think of the founder of Stoicism Zeno, who, as the story goes founded stoicism only after losing his entire life fortune in. shipwreck broke he went to book store found the teaching of Socrates and the rest, as they say, is history.

"I made a prosperous voyage when I suffered a shipwreck."
― Zeno

Take from this what you will; know if you are going through some s**t, carry on and find peace when you are down, and if you are having trouble finding that peace, pick up some Stoic reading material or hit play on my favourite Kansas track, turn the volume way up and sing the words out loud.

Dynamic Chad

Beware the Black Dog

Yesterday March 19th, I geared up for a ride, this time with a cause, as it was a ride supporting the Black Dog Institute. The site of all forms of riders of all ages and riding classes coming together in the name of helping improve mental health moved me. There we all were, cruisers, sports, adventure tourers, all riding in staggered formation in numbers over a hundred strong, heading down the Stuart Highway, sun shining, the wind in our faces and a feeling of the open road on two wheels. I felt great to be alive then a moment of reflection overcame me as I thought of the cause we are riding or those I have lost to su***de and those close to me still struggle with the black dog.

Mental health, su***de, and depression are all issues that have touched my life and affected not only me but people close to me, as I am sure they have done the same for so many of you reading this. The statics on mental health, depression and su***de are staggering. I often advocate for the mental health benefits of training and exercise and the embodiment of Stoic philosophy. Is that a cure-all? f**k no, I don't think there is such a thing, but they can be vital aids in helping combat it. (the name of the institute is taken from the capture of Winston Churchill's descriptions of his depressive states as a black dog, and Churchill is a noted Stoic).

I want this post to serve as something other than an advocate for the passions I follow in my training and study of Stoic philosophy as my shield and sword against the dark. Instead, I want it to be a highlighter for the support network, working to bring light to the darkness.

And if you ever are in a situation to give mental health first aid, here is an action plan outlined by Mental Health Australia
Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis
Listen and communicate non judgementally
Give support and information
Encourage the person to get appropriate mental health
Encourage other suports

For crisis support, you can contact:
Lifeline 24/7 crisis support: 13 11 14
Su***de callback service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Mensline: 1300 789 978
Standby- support after su***de: 1300 727 247

For information and support, visit:
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.healthdirect.gov.au
www.mhfa.com.au
www.livingworks.com.au

Dynamic Chad

Last week I put off this weekly post as I was travelling home to be with my family as we laid to rest an elderly member whose time had passed. It was not a solemn occasion but a reminder of the strength and unity of our family and the celebration of a life lived.

As I sit here now, a week later, I put off writing yet another reminder of how death is a part of the deal of life. I have written previously on the Stoic practice of memento mori, and don't seek to be so morbid as to remind you that death is approaching.

Instead, I would like you to focus on making the most of your time and doing your best in the present moment. Working hard be kind leave a positive impact on the world, just as my late family member had done for me. And by us doing this and acting in the highest good for ourselves, we can inspire others to follow our work; not only have we made ourselves better in this way, but we are, by default, making the world better.

The Stoics taught eudaimonia, which is a sense of fulfilment and contentment, and whilst I can't speak for the dead, I am sure my late relative would have felt this, especially as they looked down from their resting place and saw all of us doing well, making the world, a better place trying to give back what they had spent all these years giving us.

So please do not run from or deny your eventual demise but embrace it, use it to live your best life, get up, move and exercise, eat well, read and solve a puzzle, and become involved in your community. If you can't afford it or are unable to see the world, then explore where you can. Just make sure you do well and live well. Act with good and kindness, go out in the world and uphold the virtues of temperance, justice, wisdom and courage.

Dynamic Chad