Handlin' Business

[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.

The authors quote ancient Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius who stated, “In your actions, don’t procrastinate. In your conversations, don’t confuse. In your thoughts, don’t wander. In your soul, don’t be passive or aggressive. In your life, don’t be all about business” (page 215).

When contemplating the words of Aurelius, I’m reminded of lyricist Planet Asia’s song “Handlin Business” which was featured on the Planet Asia EP (1998). From what I know, it was the emcee’s first official submission to hip hop. Of note, the chorus states:

I be handlin’ my business when it comes to the wax [vinyl records]

Steady conjurin’ the concepts for the conscience in tracks

I’m on a worldwide mission for my shit to get heard

Destinies, I manifest, ‘cause my protection is words

Planet Asia’s declaration related to handlin’ business, as I envision the lyricist having been focused on making a mark with a relevant message to be heard within the subculture of hip hop. Noteworthy, this occurred at the conclusion of hip hop’s golden age (mid-‘80s to mid-‘90s).

Whereas Aurelius recommended to himself not to “be all about business,” I imagine that he was referring to his affairs as a Roman emperor. Nonetheless, from what I gather, Aurelius was dedicated to practicing Stoicism on a daily basis. That’s altogether a different type of business.

This is how I visualize Planet Asia’s motivation as someone who has consistently released relevant music since confidently declaring his intention to handle business. Specifically, I don’t view the lyrist’s actions as a matter of occupation as much as his efforts suggest a lifestyle.

Even if my interpretation of Planet Asia’s behavior is incorrect, there’s been personal value in his messages over the years. For example, I’ve relied upon his music before attending sessions regarding care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”).

Whereas my occupation is as a life coach and psychotherapist (i.e., my business as the owner and operator of Hollings Therapy, LLC), I’ve used Planet Asia’s music for self-care between difficult mental health sessions with clients (i.e., handlin’ my business so that I can conduct business).

Thus, given Aurelius’s recommendation to himself, I’m not “all about business” occupationally. Yet, concerning my interpretation of Planet Asia’s view, I do maintain continued focus on handlin’ other types of business. Now, I invite you to consider a similar approach to life.

Does your gig, job, career, or otherwise have to be a constant undertaking? Could it be possible that you can “manifest,” as Planet Asia termed it, other ways of handlin’ business of a non-occupational type? If so, how may your life be improved when handlin’ business in this way? 

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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Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

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