Weather the Storm

[DISCLAIMER]

When assigned to the Marine Security Guard detachment (det) in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (1999-2000), I was quite athletic (active or gifted in sports, games, or exercises). As an example, when departing Okinawa, Japan (1999), I completed an 18-minute three-mile physical fitness test run.

It took hard work for me to achieve that time, as I devoted many days and nights toward my interests and goals related to physical health. Simultaneously, I experienced challenges to my mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”).

For instance, I didn’t get along with some members of the Rio det, as we constantly bickered with one another. As such, my position in the following photo accurately depicts my attitude toward my brothers in the Marine Corps at the time (i.e., standoffish—cold and reserved):

The mental health storm in my mind at the time was akin to cloud cover from an actual storm when the picture was taken. Though I was physically fit, I wasn’t psychologically fit. Contemplating this matter further, I’m reminded of the psychotherapeutic modality I practice.

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.

Thinking of both physical and psychological challenges, I’m reminded of the idiom “weather the storm” (to deal with a difficult situation without being harmed or damaged too much). About this, authors of The Daily Stoic quote ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus who stated (page 64):

This is the true athlete—the person in rigorous training against false impressions. Remain firm, you who suffer, don’t be kidnapped by your impressions! The struggle is great, the task divine—to gain mastery, freedom, happiness, and tranquility.

When I ran in the military I didn’t allow my impression about the weather to affect my actions. In fact, addressing unadvisable wishy-washy methods to physical training, there was a common saying in the Corps, “If it ain’t rainin’, we ain’t trainin’.” Thus, I was rigorous with my plan.

My interest was to decrease my run time and my goal was to complete an 18-minute three-mile run. Unhelpful impressions about challenges to my plan weren’t needed. Expanding upon this matter, authors of The Daily Stoic add (page 64):

Epictetus also used the metaphor of a storm, saying that our impressions are not unlike extreme weather that can catch us and whirl us about. When we get worked up or passionate about an issue, we can relate.

On the day in which the above photo was taken members of the Rio det outran the storm. We didn’t get worked up or passionate about getting wet. Rather, we used the outdoor elements as a challenge, as though to say, “You think a little rain will stop us? Ha! Not a chance!”

Even though I didn’t get along with each of my brothers in arms, we trained as a unit. This, too, is a method of rational living when one weathers the storm internally. How is this accomplished?

REBT uses the ABC model and unconditional acceptance as techniques which afford you the ability to practice Stoic principles even though storm conditions are present. It’s like saying to self-disturbing beliefs, “You think you can stop me from success? Ha! Not a chance!”

I didn’t get along with some members of the Rio det. You won’t always have wonderful days. I overcame my petty and insignificant issues in order to train as a cohesive unit in Rio. You can overcome your self-caused reaction to problems in order to improve your mental health.

Weather the storm.

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

References:

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

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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Wikipedia. (n.d.). Epictetus. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus

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