Marcus often spoke to the universe as one connected whole, woven together, where each thread has its place. Whether or not you share his sense of cosmic order, there's comfort in the posture: you are part of something bigger than your single story, and not everything is on your shoulders alone. The Stoics found peace in cooperating with the flow of things rather than fighting it at every turn. You play your part honestly and trust that you don't have to direct the entire play. On a heavy day, it can steady you to remember you're a small, real part of a vast, ongoing whole. Today, when you feel you're carrying it all, remember you are one part of something larger, and ease your grip a little.

Inspired by the old idea of sympatheia. Written by Ugo Charles.