This is one of those words that is challenging to define. For example, some might say tranquility is an environment free from noise, agitation, and violence. Calmness is a mental state of peace free from disturbance. It sounds like I’m describing relaxation, but peace and calmness can be found during more alert and aware states. Others might argue that tranquility is a state of being or a way to describe a desired quality. Is it an emotion, a mood, or an aspect of mental well-being?
Ben Franklin listed tranquility as a virtue. If you have adopted habitual qualities of tranquility, then you are probably soft-spoken and compassionate. Tranquil behavior implies a contrast; despite the daily challenge, you might have the ability to maintain a peaceful composure. Are you one who can tranquilize others? (tee hee) Perhaps your entire demeanor is like a calming drug to whomever you’re around! Or maybe you know someone like that.
The truth is this is another under-researched area of human development. In Roman and Greek philosophy, tranquility was essential to reaching happiness. If you have experienced tranquility, you can begin to grasp what it means intuitively. Either that or you’re puzzled by something that all cultures have developed – practices designed to reach a state of tranquility. I wonder if there is a common link between every practice designed to cultivate the tranquil experience. Let’s turn to a whisper on the subject for greater understanding:
There are four categories with primary experiential focus on achieving tranquility: mind, body, emotions, and the mystical. Tranquility is not limited to these areas, as experiencing such a state can extend beyond the limits of each. Individual human design will determine how each person defines and experiences tranquility. Performing a set of postures within a specific routine such as yoga represents the circle of life. Physical movements into postures that end lying flat and motionless imitate death. The body achieves a calm and tranquil state with the understanding of the cycle of life. Such a process of learning with the yoga sutras teaches the experience of ultimate freedom of the spirit from the physical body.
When emotions are regulated, the energy conveys balance and the ability to reach stillness. Being mindful of one’s emotional state leads to experiencing tranquility through freedom from attachment. This is the path to enlightenment. Practicing mindfulness is development toward obtaining equanimity. At the highest level of emotional freedom, one would respond equally neutral to fortune or misfortune.
Without attachment to negative thoughts, there is an absence of mental conflict. Self-awareness reaches heightened states when unburdened by attachments. Being one with nature and the environment is experienced during calm and tranquil states. Rather than attempting to control, one can welcome the reality of every experience, whether pleasant or unpleasant.
Mystical experiences can unify consciousness. In a deep state of cosmic connection, the ego does not feel present. Past impressions are harmless. Liberation is achieved. Tranquility is experienced as pure consciousness. Outward conceptualization is replaced by inner truth.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
Dalai Lama
A gift from our family to yours
