Three Places to Find Tranquility
Found in an ancient letter, but just as relevant today
“For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not.”
— William Wordsworth, 1802
When the world is too much with us (if Wordsworth will excuse me for borrowing his timeless and timely phrase1), what are we to do?
The torrents of external pressures are ever-present, whether they manifest through a draconian profit and loss statement, the push-and-pull of the attention of a sandwich generation household, or the ceaseless breaking news alerts of dying media outlets.
In such circumstances, we need a break — physically, mentally, spiritually — we need to distance ourselves from the ceaseless volleying of these competing artillery that constantly replenish us with horror, outrage, and sadness.
We prefer calm, orderly lives and yet the world does not avail itself of our most earnest desires.
So what is a busy and stressed out person to do?
I found the answer in an old book, where so much wisdom of scores of generations is bound up.
In his Epistles, the ancient poet Horace spoke to Lollius Maximus (I like to think that his name is Latin for LMAO or ROFL), suggesting that he “interrogate the writings of the wise” to find the answers to eternal questions that plague us still.
Asking them to tell you how you can
Get through your life in a peaceable tranquil way.
Will it be greed, that always feels poverty-stricken,
That harasses and torments you all your days?
Will it be hope and fear about trivial things,
In anxious alternation in your mind?
Where is it virtue comes from, is it from books?
Or is it a gift from Nature that can’t be learned?
What is the way to become a friend to yourself?
What brings tranquility?
What makes you care less?
And those answers are as unique as we are.
What matters to us? Where are we putting our efforts? Whose lives have we positively impacted today?
Reflecting on these things will bring that joy, that tranquility, that inner peace and calm.
Finding Tranquility
Taking Horace’s advice, it seems natural to pan for nuggets of wisdom regarding the search for tranquility in his own Epistles.
I was drawn to three particular quotes — wonderful and timeless examples of how we might find tranquility, even if only for fleeting moments each day — in three areas: in nature, in the present, and through gratitude.
Each of these quotes is paired with another Timeless & Timely essay for your consideration. You might want to bookmark them and come back to them later.
Tranquility in Nature
“Let us step out into the open, my friend, and leave the dusty city behind us; let us drink in the pure, cool air and gaze upon the grass, the trees, and the streams.”
Part of finding tranquility is getting out and looking for it. You can’t find tranquility (and tranquility doesn’t find you) when you’re doomscrolling or obsessing at your desk.
Solvitur ambulando, meaning “It is solved by walking,” shows us that by getting outside and physically moving around, we can free ourselves from the stresses in our lives.
Maybe it’s an extended hike in nature or just a quick walk around the block. A babbling brook, the wind in our faces, or the brisk morning air can do wonders for our attitude.
Tranquility in the Present
“Why do we worry about the future? It is uncertain, and its very uncertainty should free us from fear. Let us live for today, and make the most of what we have right now.”
Tranquility is a wonderful state of mind to seek, and to be tranquil is to be able to sit quietly and enjoy today without a nod to the past or a glance toward the future.
Just soak in the here and now, focus on what you’re doing and saying to those around you, and be your best self, without worries about what tomorrow may bring.
Tranquility in Gratitude
“Let us be grateful for the good things we possess, and let us not be envious of others. If we are content with what we have, we will have all that we need, and we will be at peace.”
As you know, I’m a big fan of expressing gratitude. Horace’s own colleague Cicero also knew the power of gratitude when he wrote: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
With gratitude, force ourselves to acknowledge our external blessings — those that have been bestowed on us. In doing so, we admit that we’re dependent on other forces and other people in our lives, and that in turn can give us a sense of peace on contentment.
We all find our own way to handle the stresses of life. Whatever path you take, remember that you’re not alone on this journey. None of us is.
Humans are social creatures and we find natural comfort in each other, even if it’s just sitting quietly together.
When the world is too much with us, just focus on the “with us.”
There’s so much to learn,
One More Thing
I’ll be back later this week with a bonus essay for those concerned with so much flux and uncertainty. Make sure you’re on the list.
“The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth, 1802
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45564/the-world-is-too-much-with-us
Thanks for this, Scott. Rereading the piece on reflection was particularly helpful. I meditate regularly and write daily in a journal. I go for long walks and read deeply. And these days, it's still sometimes a challenge to keep from being overwhelmed. Nothing for it. But in spite of the darkness around us these days we must, as the great philosopher John Fogerty said, "Keep on chooglin'!"