The Greeks had a word for this: apatheia. It's the kind of calm equanimity that comes with the absence of irrational or extreme emotions. Not the loss of feeling altogether, just the loss of the harmful, unhelpful kind. Don't let the negativity in, don't let those emotions even get started. Just say: No, thank you. I can't afford to panic.
In the book "The Obstacle Is the Way," author Ryan Holiday discusses the concept of apatheia, a Greek term that refers to a state of calm and balance achieved by managing one's emotions. This state does not imply a complete absence of feeling; rather, it emphasizes the removal of extreme or irrational emotions that can be detrimental to one's well-being. By cultivating apatheia, individuals can maintain clarity and composure, which are essential when facing challenges.
Holiday encourages readers to adopt a mindset of rejecting negative emotions from taking root in their psyche. By consciously deciding to say "No, thank you" to panic and irrational fears, individuals can preserve their mental and emotional strength. This practice allows them to navigate obstacles effectively, transforming potential struggles into opportunities for growth. The essence of apatheia, then, lies in recognizing harmful emotions and choosing a more balanced approach to life's difficulties.
