On a recent trip to Greece, I had the good fortune to hike up to the famous Acropolis on a sunny spring day.

The Acropolis is a rocky outcrop towering in the middle of Greek capital, Athens. It is the site of the ancient temple with large marble columns called the Parthenon. This citadel is a testament to Greek culture, history and their contributions to the world in arts, science and philosophy.

The agora is the name given to the public square located at the northwest base of the Acropolis. It was in the agora that Greek citizens would assemble for commercial trade, politics, religious and social activities. Many wise Greek philosophers would gather in pergolas or gazebos and debate on matters of religious and spiritual significance. These people were called “stoics” and their philosophy was called “Stoicism.” “Stoic” was the Greek word meaning “painted porch” in reference to the gazebos where these philosophers would meet.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He was also a stoic philosopher. My daughter recently got me a copy of Peter J. Allen’s modern translation of Marcus Aurelius treatise called “Modern Meditations.”

Meditation is the act or practice of........

© Castanet