Meditation: End of the World Premeditation

The Stoics used a technique called “Premeditation of Adversity.” 

By reflecting on the possible misfortunes that await us, we benefit in three ways: 

1. We are more prepared and therefore protect ourselves against misfortune 
2. We practice virtue in the face of misfortune so it affects us less 
3. We become more grateful because that misfortune is not here yet 

In today’s meditation, we imagine an apocalyptic scene to help us focus on our most important life values. 

Many of us waste time because we fall prey to the faulty belief that we will live forever. 

By reflecting on the shortness of life, we can gain motivation and gratitude to steer our lives in much more fruitful directions.