Diogenes and the Cynics are worth studying for any person interested in Stoicism. Stoicism often feels like a moderated form of Cynicism, and Epictetus often invoked the Cynics in his teachings.
I like this saying which I think is attributed to him (words are from memory, actual may be different):
"Practice yourself in little things, for heaven's sake, and thence proceed to greater."
> If you say "I will only be happy if I never get sick" , then, being mortal, when you inevitably fall ill, you will also be unhappy.
> it is in the nature of humans to get sick, which means it is outside of your control, which means you shouldn' t let it upset you.
> Disease is an impairment of the body, not of the mind, unless the mind so chooses. Lameness is a disability of the body, not of the mind, unless the mind so chooses. Whenever something bad happens, remember that it might be an impediment to something else, but never to your true self - your mind.
Since Epictetus was born into slavery and was crippled(either from birth or due to punishment from slavery), Those with health issues can easily relate to his wisdom.
[1] Free, legal download of Enchiridion with illustrations - https://1231047546.rsc.cdn77.org/the_enchiridion_epictetus_b... .
>but never to your true self - your mind.
Advaita (Vedanta) would beg to differ, and say that your true self is the witness (sakshi) of both the body and mind, and of the world through them. :)