Stoic practice · 4–6 min

Contemplating the Sage

Rehearse the conduct of someone whose character you admire.

Use when: hard moment, decision, uncertain conduct

How the practice works

1. Name the situation What situation are you preparing to meet?
2. Name the situation Whose character would you trust as a model here?
3. Record what you notice What would they do? What would they say about how you are handling this?
4. Run the exercise Picture yourself taking the first small step as they would—not perfectly, but deliberately. Rehearse the next step. Keep the scene ordinary and possible.
5. Choose the next action What modelled action will you take?

Primary source: Seneca, Letters 11, 25; Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 1