Perception, Action, and Will

[DISCLAIMER]

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius is quoted as having stated, “All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way” (page 18).

Although I value wisdom of the Roman emperor and philosopher, I disagree with Aurelius’ advisement regarding “certainty” in what I maintain is a conclusively an uncertain existence. Thus, in one’s present moment, I encourage use of a “good enough” level of judgment.

Similarly, one imagines that the “common good” relates to “either what is shared and beneficial for all or most members of a given community, or alternatively, what is achieved by citizenship, collective action, and active participation in the realm of politics and public service.”

Regarding this element of Aurelius’ careful consideration, I maintain that what’s considered morally and ethically “good” remains a subjective matter. Nevertheless, I’ve been moderately successful in life with guesstimating what others perceive as good, and can act accordingly.

Additionally, I concur with Aurelius’ postulation concerning an attitude of gratitude. This becomes a bit more difficult to sustain with “anything” that comes my way. Nonetheless, I’m generally able to find something for which I’m grateful during most moments in life.

Regarding Aurelius’ perspective, authors of The Daily Stoic invite people to include in their every decision, “Control your perceptions. Direct your actions properly. Willingly accept what’s outside your control” (page 18).

Aside from one version of perception that relates to the senses (awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation), perception relates to a quick, acute, and intuitive cognition. Pertaining to this matter, in a blogpost entitled Perception Isn’t Reality, I stated:

[P]erception isn’t reality. Rather, it’s merely an imprecise depiction of what simply is. Doubtlessly, some irrational believers of woo-woo nonsense will claim otherwise.

Rather than disturbing myself with beliefs about these people, I unconditionally accept that some individuals are willfully foolish and that I, too, could be the individual who is naïve in this regard. For now, I assert that perception isn’t reality.

Understanding that I may only imprecisely perceive truth about the nature of reality, I can control my level of discernment regarding what I observe and think. Moreover, I can control my reaction to perceptions through use of the ABC model—one of the major techniques of REBT.

Pertaining to “actions” (things that are done), which are referenced by authors of The Daily Stoic, I also know that in addition to my perception in life I can control my behavior. Though it may be easy to blame others for my response to events, only I personally own my behavior.

Referencing this topic in a blogpost entitled Nonadaptive Behavior, I stated “Contemplating how my imagined assessment of life leads to real-world behavioral consequences, I consider my belief about safety as that which causes nonadaptive behavior.” Only I control self-upset.

Thus, directing my actions properly may better serve my interests and goals than may an unhelpful belief-consequence connection. Now, what about the authors’ recommendation to “willingly accept what’s outside your control”? I stated in a blogpost entitled Unconditional Acceptance Redux:

Thus, unconditional acceptance of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, and all manner of ups and downs which accompany the process of living could be practiced without unproductive conditions. This is especially important to understand in regard to life and death, because each of us inescapably dies.

Most matters in life are beyond our control. We can choose to self-disturb about each of these uncontrollable issues. We can also opt to endure – without protest or reaction – the things outside of our control. When choosing the latter, we can do so without rigid conditions.

In conclusion, consideration of perception, action, and will “in the present moment,” per Aurelius, may significantly benefit one’s day-to-day life. Thus, you can take control of your perceptions, direct your actions properly, and willingly accept what’s outside your control.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, fair use

References:

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