7 lessons from Epicurus that can help you live a more joyful life

We all strive for happiness, but sometimes joy can be harder to grasp than we’d like to admit.

You might look at your life and struggle to recall the last time you felt truly content or find yourself questioning if your moments of happiness are as fulfilling as they could be.

How do you know if the way you’re living is truly bringing you joy, or if you’re merely going through the motions of life?

After delving deep into the teachings of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher known for his profound insights on happiness, I’ve compiled a list of 7 lessons that could help you navigate the labyrinth of life.

If these resonate, it might be time to rethink your approach to joy and fulfillment.

1) Embrace the simple pleasures

Epicurus was a big believer in the power of simple pleasures. He asserted that true joy doesn’t come from extravagant luxuries or ambitious pursuits, but from the small, everyday joys that are often overlooked.

Are you someone who’s always chasing after the next big thing, never stopping to appreciate what you already have? Do you find yourself consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, or power, only to feel empty when you finally achieve it?

If so, it might be time to pause and reconnect with the simple pleasures in life. Savor the warmth of your morning coffee, the laughter of a loved one, or the tranquility of a quiet moment to yourself.

You might find that these small moments hold more joy than any grandiose achievement ever could.

2) Don’t fear death

It might seem counterintuitive, but Epicurus argued that fearing death is futile and can rob us of our current joy.

Are you someone who often finds yourself riddled with anxiety about the inevitability of death? Do you let this fear cloud your present happiness, preventing you from fully enjoying the now?

If so, it could be beneficial to reflect on Epicurus’s perspective. He believed that since death is the absence of sensation, it’s not something we can truly experience or suffer from. Therefore, fearing it is a waste of our energy and time.

By letting go of this fear, we can free ourselves to fully immerse in the present moment and extract every bit of joy it has to offer. After all, life is happening right now – don’t let the fear of its end steal your joy.

3) Value friendships

Epicurus held friendships in high regard, considering them one of the greatest sources of joy and fulfillment.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you truly connected with a friend? Have you been nurturing your relationships, or have they taken a back seat in the hustle and bustle of your life?

If you’ve been neglecting your friendships, it might be time to rethink your priorities. Epicurus believed that strong, supportive relationships are fundamental to our happiness. They provide us with a sense of belonging, help us through tough times, and amplify our joy in good times.

So, take time out for your friends. Reconnect with an old friend or deepen a current friendship. You might find that these bonds bring more joy to your life than any solitary pursuit ever could.

4) Live modestly

Epicurus emphasized the importance of a modest lifestyle, and interestingly, modern psychology agrees with him. It’s been observed that beyond a certain threshold, increased wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to increased happiness.

Reflect on your own lifestyle. Are you continually striving for more, never content with what you have? Does your pursuit of material possessions often leave you feeling drained rather than fulfilled?

If this resonates with you, consider adopting a more modest lifestyle. Epicurus believed that by reducing our desires and needs, we can achieve a state of “ataraxia” or untroubled tranquility.

So try it. Opt for simplicity over extravagance. Find contentment in what you have rather than constantly craving more. You may discover that this shift brings an unexpected sense of peace and joy into your life.

5) Conquer your fears

Epicurus was adamant that living in fear is no way to live at all. He believed that many of our fears are based on false beliefs or misunderstandings, and by addressing these misconceptions, we can liberate ourselves from their grip.

Think about your own fears. Do they dictate your choices? Do you find yourself paralyzed, unable to move forward because of these unseen monsters?

If this sounds like you, it’s time to confront those fears. It won’t be easy and it might even feel uncomfortable. But remember, growth often happens outside our comfort zones.

Start by identifying your fears. Understand them. Challenge them. You may stumble, you may even fall, but don’t let that stop you. The joy of overcoming a fear is unparalleled and can lead you towards a more liberated and fulfilling life.

6) Find pleasure in self-sufficiency

In a world where dependence on external factors for happiness is common, Epicurus’s philosophy of finding joy in self-sufficiency might raise some eyebrows.

Consider your own life. Do you often find yourself relying on external circumstances or people for your happiness? Does your joy fluctuate with the ups and downs of these external factors?

If this rings true for you, it might be time to shift your focus inward. Epicurus believed that self-sufficiency, the ability to derive happiness from within, is one of the highest forms of pleasure.

Therefore, start cultivating hobbies that you can enjoy alone. Find fulfillment in your personal growth. This independence from external sources of happiness can lead to a more stable and enduring joy, one that’s not subject to the whims and fancies of the outside world.

7) Practice mindfulness

Epicurus was an early advocate of mindfulness, the practice of focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.

Take a moment to reflect. Are you often caught up in thoughts about the past or the future, missing out on what’s happening right now? Is your mind cluttered with worries, anxieties, or regrets that distract you from the present moment?

If this sounds familiar, it might be time to practice mindfulness. Epicurus believed that by focusing our attention on the here and now, we can enhance our appreciation for life and increase our capacity for joy.

So give it a try. Take a few minutes each day to simply be present. Observe your surroundings, pay attention to your senses, let go of intrusive thoughts. You might find that this simple practice can help you experience life more fully and open up new avenues of joy.

Embracing the Epicurean way

In wrapping up, Epicurus’s philosophy centers on cultivating a state of tranquility and contentment that is enduring and deeply satisfying. This might require a shift in perspective for many of us – like looking inward for sustaining sources of joy.  

But embracing the Epicurean way doesn’t mean rejecting all material possessions or living in seclusion. It’s about finding a balance and understanding what truly brings us joy.

For instance, while Epicurus advocates for a modest lifestyle, he doesn’t condemn wealth. He merely points out that beyond meeting our basic needs, additional wealth doesn’t necessarily bring additional happiness.

Similarly, while he encourages self-sufficiency, he also emphasizes the importance of friendships. This is because he recognizes that human beings are social creatures and that our relationships can greatly enhance our joy.

It might seem daunting to incorporate all these lessons into your life at once. But keep in mind that change doesn’t have to happen overnight. You can start small by implementing one lesson at a time. 

As you begin to incorporate these lessons into your life, you might find your perception of happiness changing. You might discover a deeper sense of joy that isn’t dependent on external factors but comes from within you.

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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