The Stoics had a related practice which has been called negative visualization, or premortem. It is closely related to the Buddhist reflection on impermanence, and the Dalai Lama has termed it “pain insurance.” When you initiate this practice, you reflect on the possibility of losing the things you have. You consider the possibility that all of your plans may fail, all of your possessions may be lost, and all those you care about, including yourself, can, and eventually will die.
