Stoic practice · 2 min

Morning Meditation

Meet the coming day before it carries you away.

Use when: morning, preparation, daily rhythm

How the practice works

1. Read the frame In the morning, when you rise unwillingly, let this thought be present: I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world?
2. Run the exercise Before the day carries you off, take a moment on its threshold. Bring to mind what's actually ahead of you today — the tasks, the people, the one or two things you're not looking forward to. First question. If today you acted as a slave to your passions — reacting, snapping, avoiding, grabbing — how would that day go? Picture it honestly. Second question. And if instead you acted with wisdom and self-discipline — steady, deliberate, meeting each thing well — how would that day differ? You rise, as Marcus reminded himself, to do the work of a human being — not to be dragged about by your moods.
3. Make a choice Choose one virtue to carry into today: wisdom, justice, courage, or temperance.
4. Choose the next action Name the day’s likely test in the complete trial loop.

Primary source: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.1