8 Simple Paths to Tranquility

There are unlimited ways of finding tranquility. Each of us may favour one over another. The following eight elements are offered as a broad overview: serenity, wellbeing, wisdom, charity, creativity, alternate dimensions, lifestyle and pleasure. The meanings, feelings and thoughts each of these words evokes varies…

Serenity

Find peace and calm in each day. With placid awareness comes emotional balance.

Wellbeing

A healthy body brings vitality and purpose. Try tai chi, yoga, aromatherapy and massage to stimulate and invigorate.

Wisdom

Intellectual stimulation and mindfulness can be enhanced by reading philosophy, take for example, Zen. Cultural and religious diversity underpins daily choices and communication.

Charity

Community spirit is strengthened by charitable acts in the form of philanthropy – when people give freely to others. Good deeds could include:

• pledging and gifting possessions such as money
• volunteering your time to help others or the environment
• sponsoring an overseas or interstate guest
• sharing your knowledge with those who can benefit from your experience

Creativity

Napolean Hill’s famous book ‘Think and Grow Rich’ and Rhonda Byrne’s ‘the Secret’ talk about the Law of Attraction and the concept of ‘thoughts are things’. Basically, our brains become magnetized with the dominating thoughts which we hold in our minds. These ‘magnets’ attract to us the forces, the people, circumstances of life which harmonize with the nature of our dominating thoughts.

Alternate Dimensions

According to Wikipedia, metaphysics is the branch of philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science, traditionally, cosmology, and ontology. It is concerned with explaining the ultimate nature of being and the world. It covers many ideas and practices from spiritual enlightenment and meditation using crystals and chanting through to traditional and non-traditional practices of pagans and alternative healers.

Lifestyle

The environment as we know it is both built (by mankind) and natural, forged by the earth and its elements. Our built surroundings establish the atmosphere in which we live. Practices such as feng shui also tie in to the natural environment and the five elements of air, water, wood, earth and metal. Eco-friendly living and sustainable living are essential for future species. And let’s not forget about space – the final frontier. Star gazing and looking at the moon in awe is always a powerful tranquilizer.

Pleasure

This is the fun bit. After we have soothed ourselves emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually, taken care of our fellow humans, the environment and believed we can have all that we want – we must take the time to simply be. Pleasure is about me time, family time, and time to do anything – or nothing at all. Lots or little activity, adventure, extra-curricular pursuits are up for grabs. Grab a good book, or cuddle up on the couch with your beloved in front of a roaring fire.

Of course, remember, everything in moderation. Sometimes doing less is being more.