3. Name a Thing before You Love It

Epictetus gives the practice that guards the heart. Name a thing honestly before you love it, and the loss of it will not destroy you.

Whenever something pleases your mind, or serves a use, or is loved with deep affection, remind yourself of what it truly is. Start with the small things.

If you are fond of a clay cup, remember that it is a clay cup you are fond of. Then, if it breaks, you will not be crushed.

If you kiss your child, or your wife, remember that you are kissing a human being, someone who is subject to all the things that can happen to any of us. Then, if they die, you will grieve, but you will not be undone.

What this means. Know what you love for what it really is. Seeing clearly does not make the love smaller. It makes the loss bearable.