[jpsierens]

Yeah, I agree with you that you can get joy out of old material possessions such as your car, I do so myself. But I wonder if you're applying the Stoic philosophy in the correct way?

I also read a part of the book so when you say you try to think "I really like this car", shouldn't the thought be "Boy imagine I'd lose this car today, or maybe it gets robbed, I better enjoy it before that happens" instead? At least that's what I got out of the book, to excercise "negative visualization regularly.

[cooperpellaton]

I think you're most certainly right that the negative visualization is a central part of Stoic philosophy as it's applicable today but I don't think you're example is correct in this scenario. Instead, in this case, I think it's appropriate to not drive the car and/or to remember that no matter how old the car is, it is still far-far better than the worst possible reality such as that where the OP doesn't own a car, or has one in significantly worse shape.

I like to practice this own philosophy in my life to remind myself that no matter how frustrated I am with my possessions or with my work that I could be in a much worse place than I am currently. It also helps, a lot, to be a minimalist because it makes you all that much more appreciative of the few things you have (especially when you own good ones!).

[scotch_drinker]

I also apply negative visualization but people don't like to hear about that. :-) I try to do without things, I fast regularly to know what hunger is about (plus it's probably good for me) and at least mentally think about what it would be like to have nothing.