The view from above

Marcus Aurelius trained himself to contemplate his life and troubles as if seeing them from high in the sky, at the scale of the whole of nature. This widening of view restores worries to their true size and tempers both pride and despair. Today it offers a moment of distance from a conflict or annoyance that seems to fill everything.

1. Sit quietly and close your eyes. Breathe slowly a few times.
2. Imagine rising above the room, then the city, then the Earth seen from space.
3. From that height, observe the multitude of human lives, past and future generations, the vastness of time.
4. Place your current worry within this picture: what room does it really take up?
5. Descend gently and return to your task, keeping this regained sense of proportion.

when a worry takes over, 5 minutes

Putting things in perspective is not denial. This exercise eases disproportionate worries but should not be used to minimize real suffering or an injustice that calls for action.