☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Benefit Yourself By Benefiting Others

A more refined kind of selfishness.

1. Morning Contemplation

🎧 You can find the audio version of this morning’s contemplation below.

Good morning.

In his Meditations, the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius reminds himself, again and again, to approach others with empathy.

In one passage, he offers clear advice: really listen when someone is speaking. Pay close attention to both what they’re saying and where they’re coming from. Try to understand not just the words, but the intention behind them.

For Marcus, this kind of effort wasn’t optional. He believed we’re put on earth to help others. When we do something kind or contribute to the common good, we’re fulfilling our true purpose as human beings.