The Things we can't Control (A Lesson from the Stoics)

Music:
'Make it Out' by Boundary Run

I recently had to cancel a workshop I was due to run in NYC at the end of March due to circumstances outside of my control. Instead of being angry or frustrated though, I found myself accepting of the situation because of something I have learned recently from reading about the Stoic Philosophers. They made of point of reminding us that we can only control the things we can control, and the rest we need to choose our response to. In this video I share the lessons I'm learning, and I hope they help you on your own journey too.

If you found it helpful, share it on.

#control #stoicphilosophy #lettinggo

[hendrixraven]

I came to your channel for the photography, and stayed for the philosophy. Keep up the great work!

[jamiewindsor]

Argh. Freaked out for a second there as I'm currently making a video about stoic philosophy and how we can apply it to improve our mental health in our photographic work. Now having watched your video, luckily it's quite different. I'm shooting tomorrow so might change the script a bit so I don't get a torrent of people saying I've copied you. Or maybe I shouldn't worry about what I can't control… Great video (as usual) anyway.

[kbmats]

"Accept the things I can't change,
The courage to change the things that I can
And the wisdom to know the difference."

[simonbarnes]

Very true. I used to get frustrated about world events and my wife told me, “Why worry about things you can’t control”. I sat and thought about it and realised she was so right. When I left university I set out a career path, but constantly had doors slammed in my face. I was in a “Catch 22” situation. I did absolutely everything to change that situation, but I realised that there was a reason I couldn’t open and push through that door, so I stopped trying and changed tack and set myself up as a professional photographer and for 20+ years I rode the crest off a great wave.

I had been so blinkered at that time, but I realised that my degree wasn’t a waist and I used the skills I’d learned to forge a new career and it gave me something very special, time. No more 9-5 treadmill, but rather a great sense of freedom to be in charge of me and my own business. It was so liberating to know that I was in charge of me, not a faceless boss in an office somewhere. We all have to find our own path and when it all clicks, you know you are there.

[ZachTSmith]

"To the degree you resist the stream, then you notice that the current is rushing past you, and fighting you. So swim with it, go with it, and you're there. You're at rest." -Alan Watts
Great video Sean. Always a joy to watch, listen, and learn from.

[joelmeza]

This is why I feel that “showing up” is half the battle. Since we can only control ourselves, pushing ourselves to go do the things we need to do, placing our bodies in new places at different times is so important.

[nappynatty]

You are just wonderful the Stoics and photography. PREACH🙌

[powerlink]

Brilliant, simply brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

[ceramicsbydaniel]

Life is kind of like surfing.. Sometimes there are is a lull and gentle waves, other times the crashing ferocity of huge swells! Both require patience, humility, and presence, forgiveness and a faith or trust in something uncontrollable, and much bigger than us..

You’re amazing Sean, Thanks for this video.

[brusjhone]

I do not know what the right comment I may leave here Sean you just make me to be speechless. I would play this video 1000 times with no problem. listening to you Sean is so comfort. even the stories in your talk lots to go along with. Thank you for being so kind to share such marvelous work with us just for free. I love u mate

[kbmats]

Sean is way more than a photography channel YouTuber and I'm glad that I found his channel, he has helped me not only with my photography journey but also with my life on a daily basis.


Thank You Sean.

[Harlequin]

Best way to practise this is in the car on any motorway. Biggest practical example of powerlessness and how to have a go at acceptance & holding on to serenity. M6, northbound, Friday rush hour. I used to think anyone slower than me was an idiot and anyone faster was a maniac. Now I'm calm. Well... calm-er.... Mostly...

[EvgenyGenchev]

I have been brought up with that same mentality and yet it is so easy to get carried away and lose yourself. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me of it. As always, great video!

[travelrecordmusic]

I just watched this for the first time. Wonderful philosophy, and one that I’ve been living by for decades. You expressed it so clearly.

[fernandosfjr]

Viktor Frankl, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius: what a team of great thinkers! Thank you for this great vídeo, Sean!

[willtheelectrician]

Your voice is invaluable and it creates waves of influence that echo much further than you think. Thank you for being real.

[yuriajones]

Kudos to you Sean. I, too, have subscribed to Stoicism. You can only control yourself; not the thoughts or actions of other people or the world in general.

[tonyutting]

Excellent thought provoking video. Love the serenity prayer at the end. I used to be a senior leader at a FTSE 100 company and I had that printed on my desk, to remind me and my team that you can’t win every battle or decide the outcome of every business meeting you attend.

[markbaigent]

I was a pro photographer for forty years, I always chose the fun work over better paying jobs. I never made it big but I enjoyed the ride and have great memories. Actually having fun enabled me to keep some of my clients for thirty years plus. It is not where you are going it is loving the journey.
This is by far my favourite YT Chanel Sean

[tangletowngardens]

Sean, you once again amaze me. Your creative, genuine, storytelling ability is truly a gift. So glad you are embracing it. Your message spreads far beyond photography and has merit for any human being who walks the earth. Continue doing what you do as you are changing the world one view at a time.