How to Journal Like a Stoic

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. In this video, we will explore how we can become better journalers by following example of the great Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. This is just one example of taking ancient philosophy and applying it to our modern context to better our lives.

Reading the Meditations by Marcus Aurelius teaches us several lessons about how and why we should keep a journal. Ultimately, we are trying to make thinking deeply and philosophically into a habit. We want to become philosophers — not just people who sometimes read philosophy. And following the path of Stoicism might be a way for us to do this.

I'm hoping that in 2023 we can all read great books, write in our journals, and have some great philosophical conversations.

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[gretchenrobinson]

I have journals going back to when I was 16. I'm 78. I hope to give them to a college for women in the study to see how a life was lived in honest/granular detail. I know there are places which will take them. I have lived on paper and grew myself to a fulfilling life.

[johnnyneptune]

"If you have a lot on your mind, write. If you don't have anything on your mind, read."

[just_janice_]

“If you want to write, you need to keep an honest, unpublishable journal that nobody reads, nobody but you.”— Madeleine L’Engle I saw this quote recently and I think it is a wonderful guide. In my opinion everyone needs a space where they don't have to withhold information or edit themselves etc. Someone said to me "never journal like your mother is reading over your shoulder"

[andre.s.a]

I used to write really deep personal things in english because most people around me can not read in english, so if they find any of my journals they wouldn't understand at first.
But a while back I lost that fear and started in my native language; now I write any thought or feeling that's screaming in my soul. It is such a relief, I truly recommend people doing it more often.

[mack_on_earth]

I know I write as if others will someday read it. Thanks for reminding me to give my self permission to have my journal be just for me.

[bill_jennings]

I started daily journaling the day after Christmas 2022, so I’ve not been at it long, but I can definitely tell a difference in my overall outlook on life already. My thoughts are now more directed and intentional. What a difference a handful of weeks can make.

[ann-marieodonnell]

This is great. I would love to be someone who journals more. When my twins were born, I set up email address for them both. I often sit and write emails to one or both with life updates of their adventures and our own adventures as a family. Little things that I may forget.
I aim to share the emails and hopefully remembered passwords when they are older. Will email even be a thing then ?
This definitely is giving me a boost to try journalling again. I'm actually just finishing my second read-through of Meditations. Following along with Brandon Bookshelfs read.

[SevenUnwokenDreams]

I am reading Meditations for the first time. Great book so far. As for journaling, I am 30 and have been an avid journal keeper since the age of 12. Highly recommend it.

[villainoir]

As someone from a country in SEA, with an 8 to 5 job and a daily commute in a people-packed, no hope for seating train, sometimes I wonder how my life would be different if I were simply born in a Western country. Perhaps starting a morning like this won't feel so much like a pipe dream.

[patriciaphillips]

I love reading. I journal not to write about the books I read but more for reflection and to sort out areas that I am having trouble with. Journaling and meditation those I do together. I like spending time alone, in silence. Is the only time I feel I can hear my deeper truths. I just feel like writing a lot more, especially during the winter months. I get insights from this process.

[derranstokes]

What a brilliant video. Great writing starts with great reading. To become a better writer, first, become a better reader - a reading journal is a great way to practice both skills and really create a conversation with the content of the reading you are doing. One question I always try to answer when I write a journal entry about a book I am reading is why did I read this book?

[jaycee]

I listen to this man and I just want to give him a hug.

Jared, your videos are deeply touching and intimate and I just love listening to you. There's always so much warm in your words and the way you speak. Thank you for existing and being someone I can admire. Much love :)

[ka]

I started journaling after a really tough time and it really helped me decompress. That was two years ago, now I do it every morning and randomly throughout the day just to get persistent thoughts out of my head. Five star review. I recommend it to and for everyone. Appreciate the vid. Happy journaling.

[bobr]

I started journaling again last year and I just used a small notebook that was supposed to be for my philosophy class and a blue Bic pen. I’ve never finished a journal but this one was FULL. So just start with no expectations, not trying to make it perfect or pretty. Just write.

[jocquemorrison]

Reading Meditations for the very first time. Thank you for your thoughts.

[lizziejohns]

I agree with everything you said. No one will read my journals—at least while I am alive. After I’m gone I really don’t care. It really helps to put what I am thinking in writing. By the way, I like your glasses. They are perfect for you.

[BrandonsBookshelf]

Meditations is my favorite non fiction book of all time. I am on read-through number 5 currently. Loved this video, the b-roll was done well too!

[tabbathaskye]

Read great books and write about them! Love that!! Can’t wait for 2023!!

[Fkhamir]

It's very interesting for me because it's been about a week that I'm thinking about writing a daily journal and I tried for two days and write them down. Your advice is great and encourages me to keep moving.

[eldrixxx]

I've only been learning about Stoicism the past couple of days, but I've been journaling for close to a year now, it's quite literary saved my life, I highly suggest that everyone does it.