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The Guided Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Published by John Stillman
- Education
- Society & Culture
- Philosophy
- Self-Improvement
Episodes are designed as guided meditation session to help listeners embed stoic principles in their subconscious mind. The podcast explores several principles of Stoic Philosophy to journal on and put into practice while enjoying a soothing relaxation session.
Listen on Apple PodcastsRecent episodes
- Episode 25 - Discipline Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of discipline; the quiet strength that turns intentions into action and small choices into lasting character. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to focus on the next right action and the steady habits that create a meaningful life. Through calming reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore how discipline is built one choice at a time. Rather than relying on motivation or willpower alone, you’ll learn to cultivate the quiet confidence that comes from keeping promises to yourself and acting in alignment with your values. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that discipline is not about forcing yourself; it is about becoming someone you can trust, one deliberate step at a time. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of building strength, confidence, and freedom through disciplined action.
- Episode 24 - Discipline Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of discipline; the quiet strength that turns intentions into action and small choices into lasting character. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to focus on the next right action and the steady habits that create a meaningful life. Through calming reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore how discipline is built one choice at a time. Rather than relying on motivation or willpower alone, you’ll learn to cultivate the quiet confidence that comes from keeping promises to yourself and acting in alignment with your values. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that discipline is not about forcing yourself; it is about becoming someone you can trust, one deliberate step at a time. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of building strength, confidence, and freedom through disciplined action.
- Episode 23 - Discipline Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, you’ll be invited to journal on the Stoic principle of discipline; the ability to act according to your values rather than your momentary impulses. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, this episode explores how consistent daily actions shape both your character and your life. Through thoughtful journaling prompts, you’ll reflect on the habits and goals that matter most to you, the distractions that pull you away from them, and the small choices that strengthen self-mastery over time. This episode is not about demanding perfection from yourself, but about returning to your values with each new opportunity to choose what is right over what is easy. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode offers a calm and meaningful space to reflect on the role discipline plays in creating a life of purpose, consistency, and integrity. Grab your journal, take a breath, and begin the quiet practice of strengthening your character. One deliberate choice at a time.
- Episode 22 - Humility Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of humility; the quiet strength of remaining open, curious, and willing to learn. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to set aside ego and approach life with greater perspective and understanding. Through calm reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the freedom that comes from recognizing that every person has something to teach, every experience holds a lesson, and every challenge offers an opportunity for growth. Rather than seeking to be right, you’ll practice becoming more receptive, more curious, and more open to wisdom wherever it may be found. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that humility is not weakness, but a form of quiet confidence; the confidence to keep learning, growing, and becoming. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of meeting life with curiosity, openness, and the strength of humility.
- Episode 21 - Humility Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of humility; the quiet strength of remaining open, curious, and willing to learn. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to set aside ego and approach life with greater perspective and understanding. Through calm reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the freedom that comes from recognizing that every person has something to teach, every experience holds a lesson, and every challenge offers an opportunity for growth. Rather than seeking to be right, you’ll practice becoming more receptive, more curious, and more open to wisdom wherever it may be found. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that humility is not weakness, but a form of quiet confidence; the confidence to keep learning, growing, and becoming. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of meeting life with curiosity, openness, and the strength of humility.
- Episode 20 - Humility Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, you’ll be invited to journal on the Stoic principle of humility — the practice of seeing yourself clearly, remaining teachable, and placing truth above ego. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, this episode explores how humility creates space for growth, wisdom, and self-improvement. Through thoughtful journaling prompts, you’ll reflect on moments of defensiveness, lessons learned through mistakes, and the areas of your life where greater openness and curiosity might help you grow. This episode is not about criticizing yourself, but about developing the honesty and self-awareness that allow meaningful change to happen. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode offers a calm and reflective space to examine the role that pride, ego, and perspective play in your daily life. Grab your journal, take a breath, and begin the quiet practice of replacing certainty with curiosity, pride with perspective, and ego with wisdom.
- Episode 19 - Virtue Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of virtue — the practice of choosing wisdom, courage, discipline, honesty, and self-control in the moments that shape your life. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to shift your focus away from outcomes and toward the kind of person you choose to become. Through calming reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the quiet power of responding deliberately rather than reacting automatically. You’ll be encouraged to pause in difficult moments and ask a simple but transformative question: What would the best version of me do right now? Rather than seeking perfection, this meditation focuses on consistency — the small daily choices that slowly shape character, inner peace, and self-respect. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode offers a peaceful space to reconnect with your values and strengthen your ability to live with clarity, integrity, and calm strength. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of becoming the person you are capable of being.
- Episode 18 - Virtue Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of virtue — the practice of choosing wisdom, courage, discipline, honesty, and self-control in the moments that shape your life. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to shift your focus away from outcomes and toward the kind of person you choose to become. Through calming reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the quiet power of responding deliberately rather than reacting automatically. You’ll be encouraged to pause in difficult moments and ask a simple but transformative question: What would the best version of me do right now? Rather than seeking perfection, this meditation focuses on consistency — the small daily choices that slowly shape character, inner peace, and self-respect. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode offers a peaceful space to reconnect with your values and strengthen your ability to live with clarity, integrity, and calm strength. Take a breath, settle in, and begin the quiet practice of becoming the person you are capable of being.
- Episode 17 - Virtue Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, you’ll be invited to journal on the Stoic principle of virtue and what it means to act with wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control in everyday life. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, this episode explores how character is shaped through the small choices we make each day. Through thoughtful journaling prompts, you’ll reflect on the situations that test your patience, honesty, courage, and self-discipline — and consider what a more virtuous response might look like in practice. This episode is not about perfection, but about awareness, honesty, and the ongoing practice of becoming a better person. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode offers a calm and meaningful space for self-examination and reflection. Grab your journal, take a breath, and begin the quiet practice of looking honestly at how you show up in the ordinary moments that shape your life.
- Episode 16 - Death Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of memento mori — the remembrance of death. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, this meditation invites you to reflect on the impermanence of life with calmness, awareness, and acceptance. Through mindful breathing and quiet contemplation, you’ll explore how remembering death can help you let go of fear, appreciate the present moment, and focus more deeply on what truly matters. Rather than something to avoid, death becomes a teacher — reminding us to live with intention, gratitude, and purpose. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful space to reflect on mortality while cultivating clarity, courage, and inner peace. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to embrace the present moment more fully through the quiet wisdom of memento mori .
- Episode 15 - Death Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of memento mori — the remembrance of death. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, this meditation invites you to reflect on the impermanence of life with calmness, awareness, and acceptance. Through mindful breathing and quiet contemplation, you’ll explore how remembering death can help you let go of fear, appreciate the present moment, and focus more deeply on what truly matters. Rather than something to avoid, death becomes a teacher — reminding us to live with intention, gratitude, and purpose. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful space to reflect on mortality while cultivating clarity, courage, and inner peace. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to embrace the present moment more fully through the quiet wisdom of memento mori .
- Episode 14 - Death Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, you’ll be guided through the Stoic practice of memento mori — the reflection on death as a way to live more fully and intentionally. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, this episode invites you to journal honestly about the impermanence of life and the meaning of your time here.
- Episode 13 - Fate Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of amor fati — the love of fate. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to stop resisting life’s challenges and begin embracing them as part of your path. Through calm reflection and mindful breathing, you’ll explore how every obstacle, setback, and unexpected turn can become an opportunity for growth, resilience, and wisdom. Rather than wishing life were different, you’ll practice learning to move forward with strength and acceptance through whatever circumstances arise. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that peace is found not in controlling fate, but in learning to walk beside it with courage and trust. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to soften resistance, embrace the present moment, and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and calm.
- Episode 12 - Fate Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic principle of amor fati — the love of fate. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, this meditation invites you to stop resisting life’s challenges and begin embracing them as part of your path. Through calm reflection and mindful breathing, you’ll explore how every obstacle, setback, and unexpected turn can become an opportunity for growth, resilience, and wisdom. Rather than wishing life were different, you’ll practice learning to move forward with strength and acceptance through whatever circumstances arise. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that peace is found not in controlling fate, but in learning to walk beside it with courage and trust. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to soften resistance, embrace the present moment, and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and calm.
- Episode 11 - Fate Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail This episode explores how to align with the world as it happens and move forward in the best way possible. By journaling on how fate affects your life, gain deeper insight into your personal patterns and think about ways you can make improvements. This episode pairs with Episode 12 and Episode 13, which are the guided meditation episodes on this topic.
- Episode 10 - Acceptance Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic practice of accepting life as it is and releasing the habit of complaint. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, this meditation invites you to meet each moment with calm awareness rather than resistance. Through mindful reflection and steady breathing, you’ll learn to observe discomfort without adding frustration, judgment, or negativity to it. Instead of wishing reality were different, you’ll practice embracing the present with patience, gratitude, and inner strength. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that serenity comes not from controlling life, but from changing how we respond to it. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to soften resistance, release complaint, and return to the quiet wisdom of acceptance.
- Episode 9 - Acceptance Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through the Stoic practice of accepting life as it is and releasing the habit of complaint. Inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, this meditation invites you to meet each moment with calm awareness rather than resistance. Through mindful reflection and steady breathing, you’ll learn to observe discomfort without adding frustration, judgment, or negativity to it. Instead of wishing reality were different, you’ll practice embracing the present with patience, gratitude, and inner strength. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that serenity comes not from controlling life, but from changing how we respond to it. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to soften resistance, release complaint, and return to the quiet wisdom of acceptance.
- Episode 8 - Acceptance Journal Episode
Send us Fan Mail This episode explores how you deal with acceptance and complaining. By journaling on how acceptance and complaining affect your life, gain deeper insight into your personal patterns and think about ways you can make improvements. This episode pairs with Episode 9 and Episode 10, which are the guided meditation episodes on this topic.
- Episode 7 - Control Nighttime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a nighttime episode, designed to be listened to right before you go to sleep. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through one of the central teachings of Stoic philosophy; understanding what is truly within your control. Inspired by the wisdom of Epictetus, this meditation invites you to release attachment to external events and return your attention inward. Through calm reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the quiet strength that comes from focusing only on your thoughts, choices, and actions; the things no outside force can take from you. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that clarity, resilience, and tranquility begin within. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to let go of what you cannot control while reconnecting with the wisdom and steadiness that already lives inside you.
- Episode 6 - Control Daytime Episode
Send us Fan Mail This is a daytime episode, designed to be listened to in the middle of the day. In this episode, you’ll be gently guided through one of the central teachings of Stoic philosophy; understanding what is truly within your control. Inspired by the wisdom of Epictetus, this meditation invites you to release attachment to external events and return your attention inward. Through calm reflection and mindful awareness, you’ll explore the quiet strength that comes from focusing only on your thoughts, choices, and actions; the things no outside force can take from you. Whether you are new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this meditation offers a peaceful reminder that clarity, resilience, and tranquility begin within. Take a breath, settle in, and allow yourself to let go of what you cannot control while reconnecting with the wisdom and steadiness that already lives inside you.