Greetings, Readers!
Here is the latest Monday Muse (or Perennial newsletter) with a morning meditation, perennial reminder (and question), and recommendations to consider.
Be wise and be well this week!
📿 Morning Meditation
This week’s morning meditation is courtesy of The Wisdom School podcast (Apple or Spotify). These are short selected readings and teachings delivered in a Lectio Divina style from various philosophical and spiritual traditions.
📌 Perennial Reminder(s)
The pain of social disconnection, loneliness, is not to be confused with being alone. One can be by oneself, in quiet solitude, without feeling lonely; and one can be lonely in a crowd. There’s a distinction, too, between transient or situational loneliness—a reaction to loss or displacement—and chronic loneliness, which persists for months or years. Some are more prone to loneliness than others.
Source: Life is Hard by Kieran Setiya (Listen to the conversation)
💡 Perennial Question(s)
We can make sense of loneliness, then, by locating it in human life. We are social animals with social needs; and when those needs are frustrated, we suffer. “Loneliness” names our suffering. But we still need to articulate its harms. To appeal to human nature, or to cite frustrated need, is to approach the pain of loneliness from outside. We want to grasp it from within. What makes loneliness so bitter? What makes it so hard?
Source: Life is Hard by Kieran Setiya (Listen to the conversation)
🔥 Recommendation(s)
This week’s recommendation is Beyond the Individual: Stoic Philosophy on Community and Connection by Will Johncock (an upcoming podcast guest). Beyond the Individual explains how a Stoic thinks and acts as part of a community and in service of a world rather than individually. Listen to Will Johncock on
with my friend Brandon Tumblin!🎧 Latest Podcast Episode(s)
Thank you for reading/listening; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
P.S. As always, if you’re interested in becoming a member but unable to afford it. Feel free to request a complimentary membership or use this discount link for anyone who needs a little help.