This entry is a part of the “No Method: Practical Philosophical Skills” series. Part 1: Existential Wayfinding. Part 2: Weltanschauung Remodeling. Part 3: Monasticization of Daily Life.
I stopped doing my philosophical practice to focus on my writing to become less foolish and to grow The Stoa less foolishly—both the ONLINE STOA and the IRL STOA. These projects are in service of midwifing a “wisdom commons,” a place that makes wisdom more common.
I was confused about what to call my practice for the longest time. It was not coaching or psychotherapy. It was not philosophy proper either, in the academic sense. However, It had elements of all of these disciplines. I eventually called myself a “philosophical guide,” and I engaged in the practice of philosophical inquiry. The Stoa’s ritual artist, Rebecca Fox, illustrated what people could expect from the practice…
Like Socrates, I had no method, not even the Socratic method. I opened my laptop and entered a Zoom room, focusing on whatever was alive or bothersome for my inquiry partner. I did what was necessary to be of service, and this practice was also of service to me. My partners were often knotted up about the same issues I had. By helping them work through their issues, I was also helping myself work through mine.
Through these inquiries, I developed a greater capacity with the following practical philosophical skills...
Existential wayfinding
Weltanschauung remodeling
Monasticization of daily life
My “based definitions” - personalized definitions that deeply resonate - for each skill are…
Existential wayfinding is finding one’s way (and perhaps the way) in life. Weltanschauung remodeling is the attentive renewal of one’s worldview. Monasticization of daily life is seeing the world as a monastery.
Over the next few days, I will elaborate on these skills, arguing that they are needed for the new world we find ourselves in.
***
While I have paused my one-on-one inquiries, philosophical inquiry is deeply woven into my life. I inquire to myself (“ta eis heauton”) every weekday with Stoans at Collective Journalling at 8:00 am et.
I will also introduce a new practice into the ecology of practices at The Stoa: Collective Inquiry. This practice is where you will have the opportunity to be in the “agape seat” and have Stoans inquire about any issue that is salient for you. The first session starts this Thursday at 6:00 pm et.
You can RSVP to both practices by signing up for The Stoa’s Patreon.