Stoicism and Spiritual Naturalism with Daniel Strain

Stoicism and Spiritual Naturalism with Daniel Strain

This week on The Sunday Stoic, we're joined by Daniel Strain, founder of the Spiritual Naturalist Society and former Executive Director of the Society, for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the intersection of Stoicism, Spiritual Naturalism, Humanism, and Buddhism. Together we examine how these philosophical traditions can help us cultivate wisdom, compassion, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world without relying on supernatural beliefs. Whether you're a practicing Stoic, a Humanist, or simply curious about finding meaning through reason and nature, this episode offers an engaging discussion on living a thoughtful and flourishing life. 🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode is also available in video format. Resources mentioned in this episode: • The Spiritual Naturalist Society: https://www.snsociety.org/ [https://www.snsociety.org/] • Stoicism and Compassion: https://www.snsociety.org/compassion/ [https://www.snsociety.org/compassion/] • British court ruling recognizing Stoicism as a protected philosophical belief: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8962815/Stoicism-recognised-religion-landmark-legal-ruling.html [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8962815/Stoicism-recognised-religion-landmark-legal-ruling.html] • Daniel Strain's Stoic Emblem and the story behind its design: http://humanistcontemplativeblog.blogspot.com/ [http://humanistcontemplativeblog.blogspot.com/] If you enjoy conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life, be sure to subscribe and share the episode with a friend.

Facing the World With Confidence - Seneca, Letter 105

Steve and Dan discuss Seneca's Letter 105, wherein Seneca has advice for how to lead a more tranquil life. Seneca describes how to minimize other people's envy, hatred, fear and contempt, so as to have a smooth flow of life.

The Havamal: Nordic Philosophy with Ben Waggoner

This week I’m revisiting a conversation with my former colleague Dr. Ben Waggoner, who joined me to explore his translation of the Hávamál. This Old Norse poem—preserved in medieval Iceland—offers a blend of practical wisdom, sharp observations about human nature, and guidance for living well. In our discussion, Ben walks us through the cultural background of the text, the challenges of translating Old Norse, and the surprising ways the Hávamál echoes themes familiar to students of Stoicism. If you’d like to hear more from Ben, you can find his podcast Heathen History at: https://www.heathenhistory.com/ [https://www.heathenhistory.com/?utm_source=copilot.com] His translations of Old Norse and related works are available through The Troth:https://www.thetroth.org/shop/books-and-magazines.html [https://www.thetroth.org/shop/books-and-magazines.html?utm_source=copilot.com]

Don't Forget to Live

Stoicism often gets a reputation for being stern and unyielding, but the ancient Stoics never intended us to become detached spectators of our own lives. Their goal was to help us engage more deeply with the world around us. In this episode, we talk about the importance of balancing philosophy with joy—getting out there, making memories, appreciating the people we love, and living a full and meaningful life.

Circumscribing the Present

In this episode, Dan discusses the Stoic Spiritual Exercise of Circumscribing the Present. Dan describes how Circumscribing the Present can: - Ensure we do not suffer more than is necessary, - Help us in moments when circumstances are threatening to overwhelm us, and - Help us to be more effective actors in the world while we are fulfilling our social roles through appropriate action. Dan also touches on how Circumscribing the Present intersects with other Stoic practices and concepts like Prosoche and the Dichotomy of Control.