The 7-Fold Path to Tranquility

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You are invited to join us virtually from wherever you are this Sunday morning, June 15, 2025 at 9:00, for our Plato's Cave forum.

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TITLE: The 7-Fold Path to Tranquility

DESCRIPTION
In turbulent times (uncertainty and increased conflict), tranquility is essential. It offers more than a retreat from reality, but in addition, it becomes a stabilizing force that preserves clarity and morality for individuals and the population. When external chaos threatens our lives and values, inner calm allows individuals to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. This promotes reason over fear. In this series, we will explore 7 philosophical and psychological areas that promote tranquility and personal resilience. The world may feel unpredictable, but we can choose wisdom and empathy.

SCHEDULE

6-15-2025 Part 1
6-22-2025 Part 2
6-29-2025 Part 3
7-06-2025 Part 4
7-13-2025 Part 5
7-20-2025 Part 6
7-29-2025 Part 7

TOPICS

1. Control and Acceptance (Stoicism): focus on what’s within your control and accept the rest. We start the series with some key Stoic concepts from Epictetus and Camus. We can maintain composure amidst political, personal, and global uncertainty. READING: Modern Stoicism article on externals (4 pages).
https://modernstoicism.com/resistance-is-futile-stoic-counsel-about-externals-by-william-ferraiolo/

2. The Illusion of Desire (Buddhism): if you can reduce desires, you will find inner peace. We will explore how society practices consumerism and endless craving. The SEP sums up Schopenhauer’s work, saying we should “...minimize our natural desires for the sake of achieving a more tranquil frame of mind…”. READING: the SEP article on Schopenhauer has a section 5.2 on curbing desires (3.5 pages).
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/schopenhauer/#5.2

3. Mindfulness and Presence (Zen): we can find peace by giving our full attention to the present moment. This contrasts with the speed and demands of modern society, providing endless distraction and increasing anxiety. We will learn from the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh. READING: an article from Plum Village (7 pages, read what you can).
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/mindfulness-practice

4. Promoting Inner Freedom (Existentialism): we can find true freedom by making careful choices to life's conditions. In return, this builds mental autonomy amid the chaos of world events and media noise. To create a mental practice, we’ll discuss Jean-Paul Sartre’s ideas on freedom. READING: article on Sartre and Existential freedom (3.5 pages).
https://sweetinstitute.com/jean-paul-sartre-and-the-power-of-existential-therapy-embracing-freedom-responsibility-and-authenticity/

5. Living Simply (American Transcendentalism): a tranquil life is grounded in simplicity and friendships. One of our guides in this area is Henry David Thoreau and his practices of minimalism and sustainable living. We’ll read a modern blogger who shows how Thoreau helped improve her quality of life. READING: Leeanne’s article on Thoreau (3.5 pages).
https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2019/08/thoreau-walden-simple-living.html

6. Meaning-Making through Suffering (Viktor Frankl): life has difficulty, but our suffering can be transformed through the pursuit of meaning. Suffering can take many forms: trauma, loss, and burnout. We will learn from Viktor Frankl’s work on how to use suffering for personal transformation. Our reading this week says, in part, “...individuals have the agency to choose their response to suffering.” READING: this article covers meaning in the first few paragraphs (4 pages total).
https://achology.com/psychology/finding-lifes-purpose-with-viktor-frankls-mans-search-for-meaning/

7. Harmony with Nature (Taoism): achieving a lasting tranquility means aligning yourself with the nature of the universe. Despite anxiety from multiple angles in life, we can find peace by learning Taoist concepts. This week’s article shows us some aspects of nature, include what is qi (pronounce ‘chi’) and how water can be our guide. READING: this article has 3 pages.
https://www.theshantispace.com/blog/3/y/natures-rhythms-daoism-the-five-elements

We hope you can join us for this new series on Sunday mornings!

Hosted by:

Plato's Cave
https://www.meetup.com/PlatosCave/

And

Orlando Stoics
https://www.meetup.com/orlando-stoics/

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Organizer of Philosophy Meetups
StoicDan.com
407-327-7000
https://www.meetup.com/Orlando-Stoics/