How can I use this quote to calm my anxiety about the future when I journal in Stoic?

Try a 3-minute “present scan” before planning or worrying. In your Stoic entry, write: 1) Three things you can sense right now (sight, sound, touch). 2) Two small things that are okay or working today. 3) One kind action you can take in the next hour. Close with a single sentence that begins, “Joy I noticed today…” This keeps attention anchored in what’s real and available now, which often softens future-focused anxiety.

Work has me stressed out—how do I apply this quote to find joy in my workday through journaling?

After your work block, open Stoic and complete a brief reflection: • What gave me energy today (even briefly)? • What drained me? • One micro-joy I saw or felt (a kind email, a warm mug, a solved bug). • One small adjustment for my next block (stand up, breathe, ask for clarity). The goal isn’t to deny stress but to train attention to include small, present-moment positives alongside the hard parts.

I struggle to notice happiness—it feels fake. How can I journal about the present without forcing positivity?

Start with truth, not cheerfulness. In Stoic, first name your real feeling (e.g., “I feel flat and tense”). Then add an “and also” line: “And also, I noticed…” followed by a brief, concrete detail from right now (light on the wall, a deep breath, quiet between noises). Keep “seed moments” tiny—10 to 30 seconds is enough. Over time, these entries train attentiveness so joy is discovered, not forced.

QUOTE

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

Published on

Aug 29, 2023

Written by

Thích Nhất Hạnh

Journal in Stoic

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More quotes from Thích Nhất Hạnh

QUOTE

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

QUOTE

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

QUOTE

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

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