Earlier this year I went on a trip. I needed a break and I was hoping to get the peace I longed. It was exactly as I’d hoped I would be. The air was thin and pure. Each time it brushed my skin it felt as a cleanse. I was mindful than I’d ever been. Less pollution, mountains, snow, the greenery, it was perfect. I wondered what it would be like if I could live here. It had only been a day and already I felt so light and peaceful.
The next day, the boredom set in. I couldn’t really understand what went wrong. I didn’t know why but all I could think about was streets full of people, the noise, the daily hustle. There were still a few places to visit and see but my moment of tranquility had passed. It was beautiful, something I will always cherish but it had passed.
Needless to say, I was disappointed and confused. Why had I made such a fuss about getting away if eventually I missed my daily life so much? What game was this? What went wrong?
Without focusing on it too much, I tried to enjoy the rest of my trip. It went well and I had a lot of fun but I couldn’t feel that moment of tranquility again.
I kept thinking about this moment of tranquility. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. As soon as I got home, we were under lock-down and everything paused. It was a forced rest but not everybody could. People kept talking about their businesses, their jobs, they kept talking about the economy. Where would these people find their peace and serenity? Even getting out of homes was not an option.
Our moment of tranquility and serenity depends on our environment that’s true but it also depends on how we can make the most of it. We’ve surrounded ourselves with people who don’t bring out the best in us, we’ve been struggling to stay happy because we’ve been holding onto so much that we aren’t ready to let go of. Travelling for the sake of travelling is a beautiful experience, however travelling for the sake of some happiness and peace lasts only for a moment.
A few days ago, someone told me how wonderful it would be if they could go away and settle in some peaceful land. Then, all their problems would go away. I didn’t say anything to them, not because I didn’t have anything to say but because I didn’t want them to be deprived of the moment of tranquility that I experienced.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized how often I’d taken for granted my life here. I’ve had these moments of peace, where the world faded out and I was in a different, more peaceful world. I could open a window, look at the sky, the birds and smile just looking at them. I could listen to the rain pouring against my window, the smell of earth soaking in the cold water. I could watch the moon in its beautiful light. Anytime I laughed with my family I could feel it, that moment of tranquility!
Silence or peace is not about isolation and mountains. Its about what feels like home. What makes you feel grounded and connected in this moment. One day in the warmth of the noon, sit and observe the world around you. Take a look at the furniture firmly supporting, the clothes that are on the rack, that vase on your desk, the pile of papers flying in a pattern due to the air from the fan, the night lamp on your bedside providing light in its stillness, the books neatly stacked.
Observe in that stillness your moment of tranquility!
Of course, I wish to go back into those beautiful mountains and spend my time there. I wish to go back and feel that cold breeze again, snuggle in my blanket and watch the view outside while enjoying my cup of good ginger tea. I want to back for them, not to escape from my life or to find that peace.
My moment of tranquility is anywhere I can find it. It lasts for a moment, sure, but it fills my heart and leaves me feeling happy and hopeful.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope this article gives you something to think and reflect about.
If it does do let me know what you think.