For all things are swift to fade and become mere matter for tales, and swiftly too complete oblivion covers their every trace. And here I am speaking of those who shone forth with wonderful brightness; as for all the rest, the moment that they breathed their last, they were “out of sight, out of mind.” And what does it amount to, in any case, everlasting remembrance? Sheer vanity and nothing more. What, then, is worthy of our striving? This alone, a mind governed by justice, deeds directed to the common good, words that never lie, and a disposition that welcomes all that happens, as necessary, as familiar, as flowing from the same kind of origin and spring. (4.33) The reason we do this is because looking at ourselves in the third person from the outside helps us to see ourselves and our concerns more objectively.

View From Above: The Life-Changing and Humbling Exercise The View From Above: The Life-Changing and Humbling Exercise

Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe. For in a sense, all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other—for one thing follows after another according to their tension of movement, their sympathetic stirrings, and the unity of all substance.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.38 InsignificanceNo, the Stoics experienced the overview effect by doing a simple mental exercise. It’s often called the View From Above Meditation these days, and it’s something we can use to change our own perspective. This is the “spiritual exercise” that I find most helpful these days, especially since November 2016. From this perspective of the Whole, no human life is significant, not even the lives of the world’s most accomplished leaders. It’s the idea that Marcus Aurelius is getting at in these three passages from his Meditations: Large Canvas Print of Green Forest from Above - Aerial View Wall Decor - Perfect for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Exercise: Experience The View From Above - What Is Stoicism? Exercise: Experience The View From Above - What Is Stoicism?

Look for your town or house. Try for the maximum possible expansion of the satellite image photo. In manyThe New York City skyline is iconic, and also ever-changing. Famous buildings like the Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron still stand tall next to newer icons like One World Trade Center, the ICA building and the Spiral. Simply strolling the streets of New York, you’ll take in plenty of amazing views. But to get a better picture of the city, the best views in NYC are from up or out — whether atop a tall building, up in the sky, or out on the water. Taking in the view just might be one of the best things to do in NYC. A ground level shot is when your camera’s height is on ground level with your subject. This camera angle is used a lot to feature a character walking without revealing their face, but it can help to make the viewer more active and use the actor's performance to build an idea. However, the fact that our attention is often on other things can make it more difficult for us to work through our problems, anxieties, stresses and commitments. It’s so easy to procrastinate or avoid. The combination of these things can have a great impact on our mental health.