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Anticipate And Adapt

August 12th

“The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing, in so far as it stands ready against the accidental and the unforeseen, and is not apt to fall.”

—Marcus Aurelius

Meditations

Life isn't a performance carefully choreographed like a dance, where each step is planned and every movement is expected.

Instead, Marcus compares life to wrestling, a sport filled with unexpected moves from an opponent.

Just as a wrestler must be prepared to counter unforeseen takedowns and holds, we too should stand ready to tackle life's surprises with resilience. When we navigate our days, can we adjust our stance to balance when the world pushes against us? Do we have a plan for when things don't go our way, or do we simply hope for a smooth, uninterrupted performance?

Applying this wisdom means expecting that life will, without fail, throw curveballs at us. Financial hiccups, relationship challenges, health scares—these are all opponents in the arena with us. If we know that the unexpected is part of the game, we can train for flexibility and adaptability.

Have you considered your reactions when plans are upended? Do you see each hardship as a match to win, learning from the encounter, or do you feel overcome, as if you've missed a step in a routine?

Prepare your mind like a seasoned wrestler—ready to grip, hold, and endure, rather than expecting the music to never stop.

Looking for more?

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Meditations
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