What is mental reservation?

Mental reservation is a concept discussed primarily in the context of Stoicism, which encourages adaptability and resilience in thinking. It involves setting intentions without being rigidly fixed on a specific outcome, thus cultivating mental agility.

Nancy Sherman describes mental reservation as a practice of "hedging your bets," where you maintain an open mind about potential outcomes. For instance, you might plan a boat trip but include a conditional clause like "unless it rains," preparing mentally for both possibilities. This allows for adaptability and resilience, making it easier to handle disappointments and changes in plans without excessive emotional distress. It's about embracing flexibility and not getting too attached to one desired outcome 1.