Sacred Time: Insights from Marcus Aurelius for Self-Care in Recovery

Delacroix, E. (1844). The Last Words of Emperor Marcus Aurelius [Painting]. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.

Introduction

Sacred time is a beautiful concept, deeply rooted in the philosophies of Stoicism, most notably championed by the Roman Emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius. This idea of sacred time has immense potential to be applied to our modern understanding of self-care, particularly for those on a journey of recovery. But what does sacred time really mean, and how can we leverage it to nurture and heal ourselves?

Sacred time, as understood through the Stoic lens, refers to a purposeful and deliberate allocation of time for introspection, self-reflection, and contemplation. For Marcus Aurelius, it was a dedicated period for him to write his thoughts, often in the quiet hours of dawn or late at night, which later came to be known as his Meditations. It was this precious period of solitude and tranquillity where he could connect with his inner self and navigate the complexities of his thoughts and emotions.

In the context of self-care during recovery, whether it's from addiction, illness, or emotional trauma, the idea of sacred time can be a powerful tool. Like Marcus Aurelius, dedicating a specific period each day for introspection and self-reflection can aid significantly in the healing process.

Here's how to cultivate and leverage sacred time in the journey toward recovery:

1. Understand the Importance of Sacred Time:

The first step is to comprehend the importance of sacred time. In the whirlwind of recovery, there might be chaos, confusion, and emotional turbulence. A dedicated period for self-reflection can help us understand our emotions, and triggers, and progress better. It's a time to sit with ourselves, honestly and openly, acknowledging our struggles and celebrating our victories.

2. Establish a Ritual:

Setting a routine can be therapeutic in itself. Choose a specific time of the day that works best for you - it could be early in the morning or late at night, just like Marcus Aurelius. During this time, engage in introspective activities. It could be writing, meditating, or simply sitting quietly in contemplation. The goal is not to distract yourself but to connect deeper with your inner self.

3. Use Writing as a Tool:

Marcus Aurelius used writing as a tool for introspection, which can be incredibly therapeutic. It allows you to express emotions, concerns, and thoughts that you might find difficult to articulate verbally. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can help you track your progress, recognize patterns and triggers, and explore solutions.

4. Practice Mindfulness:

Sacred time is all about being present, and mindful of the current moment. It's about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, just as they are. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help cultivate a sense of inner peace and balance.

5. Seek Wisdom:

During your sacred time, you may also choose to read and learn from the wisdom of others. The insights from Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, or Seneca can provide guidance and perspective on handling adversities and nurturing resilience.

Conclusion

Sacred time, thus, is about creating a sanctuary within yourself, a refuge where you can confront and embrace your truth. It's about nurturing a compassionate relationship with yourself, and acknowledging that the path to recovery may be challenging, but you are not alone in your journey.

According to Marcus Aurelius, our minds hold the power, not external events. By understanding this, we can discover our inner strength. Incorporating meaningful moments into our lives can aid in this process, leading to overall healing and restoration. The key is recognizing our obstacles, fostering our ability to overcome them, and ultimately granting ourselves the kindness and support we need.