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Epicurus created what is known as the cure for unhappiness. Followers of Epicurus, known as Epicureans, suggest that it is a formula for overcoming unpleasant feelings such as fear, anxiety or despair. Epicurus did not suggest that pain is completely avoidable. However, he suggested that pain can be endured and we can even strive to experience happiness while dealing with emotional or physical pain .

He emphasized focusing on challenging fears with positive phrases to reframe fears and thoughts, in this way a new perspective could be obtained to continue seeking happiness and tranquility.

In modern life

Life is uncertain and pain or vulnerability cannot be avoided, because it is part of human life. Living positively and trying to maintain a state of peace, happiness and tranquility will continue to be the motivation to live good experiences in life. It is an effort to live more positively, incorporating Epicurean beliefs into your way of life and your personal decision making.  Of the ideas described and outlined by Epicurus in his time, a common option is personal choice. 

We can’t always avoid pain and feelings of fear, but we can possibly choose (or not choose) to remain in pain and fear. This may mean we strip our living environment of items, free ourselves of expectations, stop linking happiness to things like status, wealth, or fame, and recast our limiting beliefs.

Minimalist life

What some people know as a quiet life can be recognized in modern times as minimalism. This minimalism in life suggests running less and enjoying peace and quiet more. The absence of unnecessary things allows greater freedom from fear, freedom from worry, freedom from depression or regret, and freedom from expectations. As Epicurus proposed, an element of happiness is “ataraxia”, which means freedom from fear or worry. To be happy we must get away from external things. Minimalist living offers an example of what an Epicurean lifestyle could look like in our modern times.

Reshape thoughts

If someone asks you what happiness is like, you might have a lot of money in mind, a huge house, a big car, an amazing vacation, having all the time in the world to spend with friends and family, etc. But as you go through life, you gain an understanding of the world by making observations and making sense of what you experience. Part of happiness is related to the family and the circumstances lived in the present. External things can change at any time, what you have inside you, no.

To take an epicurean approach to life, we should not only mess up our physical space, but also address what goes on in our minds by questioning existing beliefs about happiness, what it means to be happy, and how we seek to achieve happiness through your own decision … your thoughts and your actions will make a difference.

Focus on possibility

Consider some of the following tips to live more positively.

    • Discover the positive of any circumstance that you consider negative
    • Free your life from sources of negativity
    • Cultivate a positive environment
    • Have a positive posture
    • Use positive affirmations in your day to day
    • Practice meditation
    • Confront your negative thoughts
    • Learn to deal with criticism
  • Write a positivity journal

There are many ways to start living a more optimistic life and thinking more positively. By considering your own sources of happiness, your own values, and the strengths they have given you to help meet your wants and needs, you can find unique ways to express positivity in your life.

Elle Mcdonald

I am Elle Mcdonald Specializations in Psychology . Graduated in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2000. Diploma of Advanced Studies in the Department of Personality, Evaluation and psychological treatments with excellent results.

First Level of Master in Clinical Psychology at the Center for Behavioral Therapists (recognized with a scientific-professional nature by the College of Psychologists)

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