Store the Luggage: Discard the Travel Case
In the world of music, Benj Gershman, a bassist for O.A.R., has found an unexpected ally in Stoic philosophy when it comes to maintaining mental well-being. Gershman, like the ancient Stoics, emphasizes the importance of introspection and the intentional management of one's inner life.
According to Gershman, the act of putting his suitcase away after touring helps him feel settled at home. This practice is less about spit and polish and more about mental clarity. The metaphor of an unpacked suitcase represents the process of acknowledging and addressing emotional baggage, symbolizing the emotional burdens, unresolved issues, and past experiences that people carry mentally and emotionally. To "unpack" the suitcase means to face these emotions consciously, understand their sources, and decide what to keep, let go of, or transform for healing and growth.
The Stoics, too, advocated for a mental practice of examining one's thoughts and emotions deliberately, much like unpacking a suitcase to sort through its contents, so you aren't weighed down by hidden or unresolved emotional clutter. This metaphor encourages awareness, acceptance, and active processing of emotional experiences instead of avoidance or suppression.
Travel, whether for work, family visits, or personal growth, is a common aspect of many lives. Re-entry into one's regular life after traveling can sometimes require adjustment. Unattended tasks can create a mental weight that we may not always be conscious of. This weight can be likened to a suitcase left out-half-unpacked, waiting for the next trip, keeping a person's mind scattered and unsettled, even when at home.
The Stoics referred to the concept of maintaining orderliness as kosmiotes. This concept is not limited to physical objects but also applies to mental and emotional states. The metaphor of leaving out one's "suitcase" in life is extended to include other aspects such as orderly workspaces, clean cars, and mental clarity. An unpacked suitcase, an orderly workspace, a clean car with a new air freshener, and a mind free of clutter all contribute to creating space for focus, presence, peace of mind, and stillness.
Marcus Aurelius, the famous Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, spent years traveling the Roman Empire, inspecting troops and visiting philosophers in Greece. Seneca, another prominent Stoic, frequently depicted himself traveling to various locations such as Rome, the countryside, the sea, and the provinces. Their writings demonstrate the importance they placed on self-reflection and mental orderliness, even amidst the chaos of travel and leadership.
In essence, the metaphor of an unpacked suitcase serves as a reminder to take stock of our emotional baggage, to face our challenges head-on, and to strive for mental clarity and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Whether you're a musician on tour or a busy professional, the practice of unpacking your mental suitcase can help you find peace and tranquility in your daily life.
[1] Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: A Guide to the Modern Age by Donald Robertson [2] Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- In the realm of self-development and personal growth, Stoicism, as presented in Donald Robertson's "Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: A Guide to the Modern Age," provides valuable insights for mental health and overall well-being, much like music brings mental clarity to Benj Gershman.
- Just as a traveler might find orderliness essential for a well-organized lifestyle, so too does a student seeking education and self-improvement value the implementation of Stoic principles, aiming to pack their mental suitcase with knowledge and insight for the journey ahead.
- Health-and-wellness encompasses not only physical fitness but also mental acuity and emotional balance. By applying the Stoic practice of intentional management to all aspects of life, one can strive for a lifestyle that fosters mental health, emotional well-being, and overall personal growth, much like the ancient Stoics and modern musicians like Gershman.
