Corso di 11 giorni

Family Estrangement, Conflict, And Choosing Stoicism

Di Barbra Drizin

Cosa imparerai

This course is designed for those navigating and living with family estrangement, ongoing conflict, or emotionally difficult circumstances. Perhaps you have tried a variety of emotional and relational strategies — only to continue feeling despair, grief, overwhelm, anger, or emotional reactivity. Stoicism offers another way forward. In this course, you will learn how to apply timeless Stoic principles to modern life challenges, especially those involving family relationships, emotional pain, and uncertainty. You’ll be guided through clear frameworks and practical tools that help you regulate your emotions, prepare for difficult moments, and respond with intention rather than reactivity. We'll explore: What Stoicism truly is — and what it is not The Four Cardinal Virtues and how and why to embrace them The Dichotomy of Control and how it reduces unnecessary suffering Practical tools for emotional regulation and steadiness How to prepare for challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them How to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and character How perception, action, and will shape who we become over time How to create a personal Stoic Creed you can return to again and again While this course does not promise that circumstances will change, it offers something more reliable: clarity, agency, and the ability to meet life with steadiness, wisdom, and self-respect.

Barbra Drizin

Los Gatos, CA, USA

Barbra Drizin is a coach, educator, and speaker who works with individuals navigating family estrangement, ongoing conflict, and emotionally difficult life circumstances. Her work is informed by years of experience supporting parents and adults who are seeking personal insight and growth, as well as steadiness, clarity, and self-respect. Barbra’s...

Lezione 1

Family Estrangement And The Moment I Turned To Stoicism

In this opening lesson, Barbra shares the personal moment that led her to Stoicism during a time of family estrangement and emotional upheaval. You’ll be introduced to the core idea that truly was an epiphany, and why she chose the path of Stoicism as a steady, practical framework when other emotional and relational strategies failed. This lesson sets the foundation for the entire course.

Lezione 2

What Stoicism Actually Is...And Is Not

This lesson clarifies what Stoicism truly is—and clears up common misunderstandings. You’ll learn why Stoicism is not about suppressing emotions or becoming detached, but about training the mind to respond wisely under pressure. Barbra introduces the historical roots of Stoicism and the thinkers who shaped it, offering context for why this philosophy has endured through centuries of uncertainty and hardship.

Lezione 3

The Four Cardinal Virtues - The Heart Of Stoicism

In this lesson, you’ll explore the Four Cardinal Virtues at the heart of Stoic philosophy: Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice. Barbra explains how the Stoics defined each virtue, how they apply to modern life, and what happens when we drift into their opposites. You’ll begin to see how practicing these virtues creates a steady, grounded, and meaningful life—even in difficult circumstances.

Lezione 4

The Dichotomy Of Control: The Foundational Principle Of Stoicism

This foundational Stoic principle is the path to immediate relief from unnecessary suffering. In this lesson, Barbra explores the Dichotomy of Control—what is within your control and what is not—and why confusing the two leads to emotional exhaustion. Through story and practical insight, you’ll learn how this distinction restores clarity, agency, and steadiness when life feels overwhelming.

Lezione 5

Emotional Regulation Tools: SPQR And Amor Fati

This lesson introduces two powerful Stoic tools for emotional regulation. You’ll learn how the ancient Roman phrase SPQR has been reframed for use as a modern emotional reset tool, and how the Stoic practice of Amor Fati—loving one’s fate—helps you stop resisting a reality that has already arrived. Together, these tools support calm, resilience, and wise response during moments of stress or conflict.

Lezione 6

Preparing The Mind: Premeditatio Malorum And Agency

In this lesson, Barbra introduces Premeditatio Malorum—the Stoic practice of preparing the mind for difficulty rather than being blindsided by it. You’ll also explore the concept of agency: what it truly means, how it relates to Stoicism, and why reclaiming agency is essential when facing family conflict, loss, or uncertainty. This lesson strengthens your capacity to meet challenges without fear or collapse.

Lezione 7

Turn Your Obstacles Into Personal Power

This lesson explores one of Stoicism’s most empowering ideas: Obstacles are not merely things to endure, but opportunities -- and the training ground -- to develop strength, character, and wisdom. Barbra explains how perception, interpretation, and response determine whether adversity weakens us or shapes us. You’ll learn how to relate differently to setbacks and difficulty—without minimizing pain or pretending hardship doesn’t matter.

Lezione 8

Perception, Action And Will - And Living The Virtues Despite The Behavior Of Others

In this lesson, Barbra returns to the Four Cardinal Virtues and addresses a common question: Why should I live these Virtues when others don't treat me with them? You’ll explore how the virtues belong to you—not as ideals to admire, but as qualities to practice. Practicing the virtues is not dependent on the behavior of others. This lesson helps bridge philosophy and daily life, especially in moments of conflict, disappointment, or emotional charge.

Lezione 9

Gratitude And Expanding Perspective: The View From Above

The Stoic viewpoint of Gratitude. This lesson introduces a powerful Stoic perspective practice often called “The View From Above.” You’ll explore how widening perspective can soften emotional intensity, reduce reactivity, and reconnect you with what truly matters. This lesson prepares you for the accompanying guided visualization, which offers a direct experience of this timeless Stoic practice.

Lezione 10

A View From Above Visualization

This guided visualization invites you experience the VIEW FROM ABOVE. You are gently guided to rise beyond your immediate circumstances and see your life in greater proportion. This practice helps soften emotional intensity, restore clarity, and reconnect you with what is within your control—your judgments, responses, and character. Ideal for moments of overwhelm, rumination, or emotional heaviness, this lesson supports calm, wisdom, and inner steadiness.

Lezione 11

Creating My Personal Stoic Creed

In this final lesson, you’ll be guided to create your own personal Stoic Creed—a clear declaration of who you choose to be and how you wish to meet the circumstances of your life. Drawing on the principles and practices from the course, this lesson helps you articulate the values and perspectives you want to return to when life feels unsteady. The course closes with reflection, gratitude, and an invitation to continue living these principles forward.

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