Drew Linsalata
Drew Linsalata
Stoicism, Anxiety, and and Marcus Aurelius ... Gone Wrong? | EP 333
Stoicism, Anxiety, and and Marcus Aurelius ... Gone Wrong? | EP 333
Stoicism, Anxiety, and and Marcus Aurelius ... Gone Wrong? | EP 333
Wednesday 17th December 2025
Explore how Marcus Aurelius' Stoicism is often misinterpreted in anxiety recovery. Discover the true essence of acceptance over control.
31 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Drew Linsalata
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Sobriety Toolkit
Recovery from Trauma
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Rethinking Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius and Anxiety Misunderstood
Episode Overview
- Stoicism is often misinterpreted as a philosophy of emotional control.
- Marcus Aurelius wrote about living with emotions, not mastering them.
- Mindful acceptance can be more effective than control strategies in managing anxiety.
- Ancient philosophies like Stoicism can impact modern mental health practices.
- Embracing vulnerability might be key to managing anxiety effectively.
"Marcus Aurelius wasn't writing about mastering emotions; he was writing about living with them."
Ever wondered how ancient philosophies can impact modern mental health? This episode of The Anxious Truth takes a closer look at Stoicism and its misinterpretations, particularly focusing on Marcus Aurelius' writings. Host Drew Linsalata unpacks how these age-old principles are often twisted into modern self-help mantras that might not be as helpful as they seem, especially for those grappling with anxiety disorders.
Drew, a seasoned therapist and former anxiety sufferer himself, explores how the macho misinterpretations of Stoicism as a philosophy of emotional control and toughness can lead individuals down a counterproductive path. Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' is dissected to reveal its true essence, far removed from the warrior-like stoic image often portrayed. Instead of mastering emotions through suffering and discipline, Marcus wrote about the struggles of everyday human experiences, like getting out of bed or dealing with difficult people.
Drew emphasises that real Stoicism is about accepting what we cannot control and learning to live with it, rather than trying to conquer it. For those caught in the trap of seeking control over anxiety through harsh self-discipline, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. It encourages a shift towards mindful acceptance and psychological flexibility, which can lead to more effective anxiety management.
If you've ever felt like you're failing because you can't 'tough out' your anxiety, this episode might just offer the relief and understanding you need. In a world that often glorifies control and mastery, could embracing vulnerability be the key to true strength?