“I’d happily trade your life for knowledge of my powers.”
...and for a phone with IM capability
Stoic philosophy offers invaluable insights for living intentionally, with some tools proving easier to implement than others. Negative visualization, in particular, poses a challenge for many, urging us to contemplate worst-case scenarios to foster gratitude. For instance, a Stoic might suggest that after you kiss your child goodnight, you imagine him dying in a car crash.
The idea of envisioning such grim possibilities clashes with the entrenched notion of manifestation—a belief that our thoughts can shape our reality. Personally, I lean more towards science than supernatural forces, finding solace in the notion that focusing our attention can uncover opportunities that already exist, rather than conjuring them into being.
Whenever I hear someone talk about having manifested some event in their lives, I can’t help but think of this (it’s Louis CK, so if you are offended/triggered, don’t click. Yes, I’m aware he’s cancelled):
If we are unhappy at our current job, we may start paying more attention to job listings. More insidiously, if we happen to click on a job offer, the internet will start lobbing more our way. Suddenly, when a recruiter reaches out with the perfect job, we believe we manifested the opportunity. These days, one need only mention an item out loud and the “counter stalker” (Alexa) will make sure it shows up in your news feed.
Even if one doesn't fully subscribe to this idea, there's often an underlying concern that dwelling on negative outcomes might inadvertently bring them to fruition.
For safety purposes, humans are evolutionarily programmed to seek out the negative. However, as with many traits and behaviors developed during evolution, this tendency has become somewhat more of a liability. When we scan our environments with a critical lens, we are less likely to find an actual threat, and more likely to find something stupid to complain about.
This tendency is particularly pronounced in individuals with trauma histories, who may struggle to remain present amidst constant anticipation of potential threats. Consequently, while negative visualization may hold value for some, for others, cultivating mental focus proves to be a more accessible starting point.
Another reason many of us may balk at imagining the worst-case scenario is that this could likely bring on a flood of negative emotions. What if I imagine my child dead, and rather than spend the rest of the day hugging him even when he glares at me and calls me, “Boomer,” I crumple into a heap on the floor, unable to rid those painful images from my mind. If you aren’t particularly skilled at focusing your attention, it may be overwhelming to engage in negative visualization.
By deliberately paying attention to our actions and thoughts, we can strengthen our prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and self-control. Before allowing ourselves to ruminate on catastrophic scenarios, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in the present moment and reel back our thoughts when they veer into darker territory.
Engaging in internal narration—a practice of describing our actions as we perform them—can serve as a useful tool for staying grounded in the present. It sounds goofy, but it’s a great way to practice staying present in the moment and directing your attention. Notice how I specified INTERNAL narration. This will prevent manifesting ourselves into a padded room.
By focusing on being present with our loved ones and appreciating each moment, we can cultivate gratitude and derive fulfillment from life's experiences, regardless of their nature. Ultimately, presence and clarity of focus offer a pathway to deriving greater meaning and satisfaction from life, enabling us to extract the most out of every moment.
Good read. Thanks.