Daily Stoic Philosophy: Stoa

This app is turning out to be really perfect for what I have been looking for and needing. I have been interested in learning more about stoic philosophy, but that in and of itself isn’t enough to help me with my difficulties in self discipline. I need a program with some accountability and positive reinforcement, some help with learning how to meditate, and a simple app without overwhelming amounts of content, one that serves me without inappropriately sucking me in. Since starting this app I’ve been able to meditate and reset my perspective on what’s important each morning- I’ve been a less frazzled working mom, I’ve improved my eating and phone/screen/social media consumption, I’ve been much more accepting of daily frustrations, and I feel like this is helping me keep sight of a good orderly direction to keep me oriented in daily life. It is absolutely worth the $ to me and started paying off quickly. I love having access to the literature; it might be nice to be able to listen to more of it with an audio option, but there’s also nothing wrong with actually committing time to sitting down and reading (I am just trying to stare at this device less and less). Thank you for this great app and the courses/programs!

Stoa is the best meditation app that I found. It’s the reason why I don’t have to take any medication for my social anxiety disorder. At any time of the day, the stoics have advice that can hit you where it needs to go and form a connection that relates with the current situation. What I also love is that Stoa is not like other meditation apps. It helps you focus on your breathing, and receive advice that you can take into consideration as you go about the rest of your day and apply to social interactions. We are a lot more in control of how we feel toward what is currently happening than we actually expect ourselves to be. The Stoics Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Epictetus and Epicurus all lived more than 2000 years ago, and most of their writings have been lost to the past 20 centuries. The Stoics are most likely extinct toward society, yet for some who want to become more emotionally resilient, and clarify their perspective to bring purpose and meaning to their life, the ancient philosophy has resurfaced. I have found strength.

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. I’m the last few months I’ve started the habit of waking up early and sitting with some of the original texts, copying a passage in a journal, and writing some thoughts. (This was something I started with Kathryn Koromilas’ Stoic Salon group.) I am now finishing that with a meditation from the Stoa app, which provides a good reset and gets me ready to start the day. Over the years of trying to practice Stoicism, one thing I’ve learned is that consistent daily practice is absolutely essential. If you’re not starting each day by getting ready for what’s coming, your thoughts and judgments will derail you. This discipline is a skill just like any other, and like all skills, practice and training are required to keep them sharp. The Stoa meditations are well thought out with excellent narration, and the perfect length. The interviews give me something to listen to if I have to drive somewhere. Well worth the subscription. Thank you for making this.