A Stoic Tightrope: Generosity, Curiosity and Consistency

Living a stoic life is like walking a tightrope.

It is a life that demands strength and balance and serenity; a life with a center of gravity that keeps you stable and moving forward even amid distractions and challenges that would pull you down.

The tightrope walker must, above all else, keep their center of mass directly above the rope. With every step, the muscles and ligaments in their feet make fractional, subconscious adjustments in order to maintain that center.

The long pole the tightrope walker holds bends downward at each end, moving the center of gravity deeper and creating a more solid foundation. We all need help making our center of gravity stronger. We need trusting relationships, and we need the strength of our convictions, and we need responsibilities that demand our best effort.

The tightrope walker creates tension in the rope with every step. Vibrations flow to the end of the rope and back, threatening to undermine their stability.

Everything we do in our lives creates vibrations in the world. If we are acting in tune with those vibrations — that is, not exerting undue influence or submitting to emotional toxins like guilt, blame or mistrust — we can keep moving steadily forward.