Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit the evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now. You are not some disinterested bystander. Participate. Exert yourself.
In "The Art of Living," Epictetus urges readers to fully engage with the present moment rather than avoiding or evading it. He emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the specifics of current experiences, whether they involve challenges or interactions with others. Instead of remaining passive, he encourages active participation and a commitment to living life to the fullest.
According to Epictetus, it is essential to acknowledge our role in each situation we face. Instead of being a mere observer, we should engage with our circumstances, exert ourselves, and take on challenges directly. By doing so, we can cultivate a more meaningful existence and embrace the richness of life as it unfolds.