Stuck Not Broken
Stuck Not Broken
Justin Sunseri
Stoicism & Your Nervous System: How to Practice Amor Fati (Loving Your Fate) with Erick Cloward
50 minutes Posted Apr 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Meet Erick Cloward
Amor Fati Explained
Tough Love vs Embrace
Self Acceptance Exercise
Pain as a Teacher
Virtue Defined
Living According to Nature
Nervous System States
Anxiety and Letting Go
Premeditating Worst Cases
Planning vs Presence
Over Optimization Trap
Mindfulness Then and Now
How to Practice Amor Fati
Amor Fati As Practice
Colbert On Grief Joy
Stoic View Of Emotions
Pause Before Reacting
Training In Calm Moments
Meditation Journaling Tools
Inviting Discomfort Safely
Obstacle Becomes The Way
Virtue Over Checklists
No Finish Line Regulation
Strength Sitting Discomfort
Ride The Emotional Wave
Wrap Up And Resources
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50:53
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Show notes

In this episode, Justin Sunseri sits down with Erick Cloward, host of the Stoic Coffee Break podcast, for a deep dive into the Stoic practice of Amor Fati, or "loving your fate." Learn how to connect ancient Stoic wisdom with modern nervous system science. Erick and Justin discuss how to use principles from Stoicism and Polyvagal Theory to practice self-regulation, manage anxiety, and build emotional strength.

Discover how to stop fighting reality and instead find power in accepting what is. This conversation explores how to embrace your emotions, turn obstacles into opportunities, and live a more virtuous, regulated life.

➡️ Learn more from Erick Cloward:

  • Stoic Coffee Break Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StoicCoffee
  • "Stoicism 101" Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stoicism-101-Epictetus-Essential-Philosophy/dp/1507223579
  • Build an Unbreakable Mind Program: https://stoic.coffee/unbreakable/

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

It helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Mentioned in this episode:

Naming Your Stuckness

Not sure which stuck state you're in? That's normal, and more common than you'd think. I made a free page that lays the stuck states out in plain language so you can find words for what you're experiencing. No quiz, no email just to look:

https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=dynamic_spot&utm_campaign=stuck-page