First Sunday of Advent (A)

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The Unknown Day and Hour   Lectionary: 1 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 122: 1-9 Reading 2 -  Romans 13:11-14 Alleluia -  Cf. Psalm 85:8 Gospel -  Matthew 24:37-44 '... Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.' Introduction  As we gather on this First Sunday of Advent , we also mark the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical calendar and a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas. The word Advent comes from either of two Latin words, which simply mean “to come” (Ad-venire) or “to arrive” (Ad-ventus), and as early as the fourth (4th) century, Christians have had this special time of preparation towards Christmas. Of course, Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; Even as we begin the material preparations for the social celebration of Christmas, the liturgical celebrations of these weeks invite us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. But what does the co...
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Review: The Stoic Arsenal: 40 Lessons from Stoicism for a Better Life

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The Stoic Arsenal: 40 Lessons from Stoicism for a Better Life The Stoic Arsenal: 40 Lessons from Stoicism for a Better Life by Leandro Faria

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An introduction to Stoic philosophy, updated for the modern practitioner seeking “the good life.” We get 40 “lessons” in six parts … the primary idea being to not worry about that for which you have no control. What follows are various techniques to put that into action, often further subdividing the lesson into manageable steps (example: lesson 1 - “Mens Omnis Regit” is further divided into self-sufficiency and constant presence to show how we can change the way we think about everything). Woven into each block of text are quotes from various famous stoics and several persons whose personal philosophy appears to intersect with Stoicism. I found the comparisons with Buddhism particularly interesting where they look at mindfulness and the instruction to avoid emotional attachments to the physical world (Lesson 15 & 16). As might be expected for a philosophy that evolved over a couple of millennia, there are apparent contradictions that could use a fear amount of personal mediation … such at the recognition that we are all connected (Part 4) being opposed to the tenant that one should look to your self first (Lessons 37). Regardless, this is a solid first step of a potentially life changing journey that is worth a tilt.

    Introduction
    Part 1: Life Is Only Perception - The mind rules over everything
    1. Mens Omnia Regit
    2. Train Perception
    3. Override Initial Reactions
    4. Trochotomy of Control
    5. Mindfulness
    6. The Inner Citadel
    Part 2: Keep Perspective - Accept everything that happens
    7. Amor Fati
    8. Cosmic Perspective
    9. Break the Hedonic Treadmill
    10. Memento Mori
    11. Fair Bookkeeping
    12. Poverty is a State of Mind
    Part 3: Downside Protection - Turn obstacles into opportunities/action 
    13. Wand of Hermes
    14. Premeditatio Malorum
    15. Fate only Lends
    16. Self-Denial
    17. Decatastrophize
    18. Change the Point of View
    Part 4: Sympatheia - It takes a village; we all depend on each other
    19. Cosmopolitanism
    20. We’re More Similar Than Different
    21. Forgive Wrongs of Others
    22. Focus on Virtues, Not Flaws
    23. Improve Others
    24. Show Appreciation
    25. Character is All That Matters
    Part 5: Pragmatism - Set realistic expectations
    26. Stop Complaining
    27. Don’t Seek Recognition
    28. Don’t Seek Happiness (which is a by-production of virtue)
    29. Choose Friends Wisely
    30. Have a Sense of Humor
    31. Control Your Anger
    32. Be Humble
    Part 6: Practice - Nobody is perfect
    33. Philosophy Takes Priority
    34. Learn For Yourself
    35. Excellence is a Habit
    36. Action, Not Words
    37. Protect Your Time
    38. Watch The Wise
    39. The Power of Reminders
    40. Create a New Path

    I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

    #TheStoicArsenal #BookSirens.

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