Stoicism in Practice with Trish Colbey
Discover more from Practical Stoicism
Stoicism in Practice with Trish Colbey
How a love of nature can inspire you to look deeper...
Trish Colbey, a long-time listener of the Practical Stoicism Podcast, was interviewed by Kai Whiting as part of Practical Stoicism Podcast’s “How Do You Practice Stoicism?” series. As part of the series, we ask listeners from all over the world, and all walks of life, to highlight to others what Stoicism means to them and how they have made it a part of their daily life.
Q: Hello, Trish, please tell us a little bit about yourself: where you are from, your hobbies, interests and how you first became interested in Stoicism.
Hello, I currently live in Adelaide, Southern Australia. My father was a fireman in the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) and my mother always worked. My partner also worked in the RAAF. This meant I was always moving house and experienced a transient lifestyle from a young age. As an adult, my role as a mother has given me a deep sense of joy. I've worked as a microbiologist, winemaker, educator, and manager.
I’ve got a deep connection to nature, a spark ignited by family Sunday drives into the countryside and by my grandmother who lived in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Fortunately, there are beaches, hills , national parks, and urban green spaces all around me, so I exercise and ‘meditate’ amongst natural beauty almost daily. I also enjoy travelling to other countries to visit their natural beauties, museums, libraries and to experience their food and culture.
I started listening to the Practical Stoicism podcast in mid-2022. I was listening to other philosophy podcasts, and I think Practical Stoicism was ‘recommended’... that’s when I first become interested in Stoic ideas, so thanks guys!
Q: Which aspects of Stoic theory and practice speak to you the most and why?
In the early days, it was definitely the idea that Stoicism could help me be the best person I could be – not just for my benefit but also for the benefit of those I love, especially my family and friends. When I behave poorly, I know I don’t want to be that person. It’s distressing to me and causes distress to loved ones.
Before long, I came to understand the Stoic logic that virtue is the only good. From this understanding, cultivating my good character means I have to do the right thing for the right reason. And this is very much about context! One rule does not apply to every scenario. This is why the Stoics taught that I need to ‘pay attention’ to my thoughts. Through reading, podcasts, journaling (via the Practical Stoicism journalling programme) and Kai Whiting’s Stoic mentoring programme, I am gaining a better understanding of these concepts – and they are changing my life for the better.
I’m also engaged with Stoicism because the Stoics viewed nature, the cosmos, as a rationally organised and ordered system: The Stoic god. Yes, I also had to wrap my head around the term ‘god’ and Tanner and Kai’s podcast discussions have helped me approach the word ‘god’ in the spiritual rather than religious sense. I definitely have a spiritual connection to nature. Who doesn't feel something sitting next to a stream, walking in an ancient forest, feeling the sun (or moon!) on your face, or in observing the birds? Everything that occurs in nature seems right and I never question it.
Q: Who is your favourite ancient Stoic and why?
On the Practical Stoicism podcast episode, where Kai interviewed me, I mentioned Chrysippus of Soli. He was the third head of the Stoic School. I picked him because of his approach to logic, his belief in an organic universe and the Stoic god (Nature). The idea of living harmoniously with oneself, as a rational being, who is in harmony with the nature of the rationally organised cosmopolis appeals to me.
Q: What contemporary Stoic book(s) have had the biggest influence on your life?
Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In by Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos.
I think this is an excellent introductory book on Stoicism that discusses modern day examples of Stoic philosophy.
Stoicism by John Sellars.
It’s a deeper read that provides an excellent foundation for further study of Stoicism.
Q: How has your relationship with Stoicism evolved over the last year? In, which ways, has the philosophy helped you transform aspects of your character?
In the beginning I was grappling with the language and references of ancient Stoicism. I was then coming to terms with the fact that the only things I can control are my thoughts, actions and attitudes - with everything else being outside my control. Understanding the uniquely Stoic terms ‘preferred indifferents’ and ‘dispreferred indifferents’ was also tough. I persevered and Stoicism became a framework for me to live by. I am still unpacking the key concept for Stoics: that virtue is the only good. I’m continually trying to develop my good character. Making the right choices for the right reasons is a full-time endeavour! It takes some deep thinking, commitment, and time. It’s not a passive process. More recently, my evolution has sped-up, largely thanks to Kai’s mentoring. In particularly, he challenged me to see how my/our thoughts are rooted in beliefs, assumptions and biases which impact one’s ability to make rational choices. Having Kai as a mentor is helping me, by challenging my thinking.
Aspects of my character that I think have been impacted are such things as being more present, which involves worrying a lot less about the past or future. I am calmer and can, consequently, be more thoughtful and less reactive, more inclusive and considerate in my roles as a mother, daughter, sister, friend, work colleague, community and custodian of nature. My intention is to behave in an appropriate way for the benefit of all of these roles. This will be my lifelong practical endeavour!
Q: What advice would you give a newbie Stoic, regardless of their age, social background, and educational level?
When I was a newbie, I benefited a lot when it came to the Stoic teachings regarding withholding judgement and being curious about the world and what we think about it. I listened to podcasts, joined the Practical Stoicism journaling programme and the Stoicism Discord community and started reading some books that Kai, Tanner Campbell and others recommended. I encourage others to do the same – reach out and discover! Don’t be shy about asking for help or asking to be mentored by someone knowledgeable!
Other than that, I would say focus on developing your good character as a rational being and practice doing the right thing for the right reasons.
Q: What would you say to people who assume that Stoicism is a philosophy written for men?
Beg your pardon? I don't understand the question ;)
Q: Finally, please share with us your favourite Stoic quote…
Mmmm, today I resonate with:
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Book Ten, 21
‘Earth loves the rain, the proud sky loves to give it’ The whole world loves to create futurity. I say then to the world, ‘I share your love.’ Is it not the source of the phrase, ‘This loves to happen?’
Trish was interviewed by Kai Whiting as part of Practical Stoicism Podcast’s “How Do You Practice Stoicism?” series. If you are a long time Practical Stoicism podcast listener and/or are a member of our journalling programme than please get in touch with Kai via our Discord server. Who knows you might be the next guest to appear on our show!
Stoicism in Practice with Trish Colbey
Lovely thoughts, Trish! Thank you for sharing them.
Can see many names from the discord community, thanks so much for your support. My thoughts do not form a scholarly article but I do believe there is merit in reading about other people's experience, kind of humanising and building connection, and very much looking forward to reading theirs.