Tranquility

Early morning is easily my favorite time of day. I知 often awake early enough to enjoy the first hint of dawn followed by the tranquil period immediately after as the sun begins its daily transit above the horizon. This time of day not only provides wonderful light for photography but it has an air of innocence about it as well. It痴 a new beginning and, like a newly-born baby, it is full of promise and free of unfortunate history.

I welcome the beginning of a new day. Each dawn reminds me that I have a renewed opportunity to avoid mistakes made in the past and make an attempt to achieve something positive for the future. I feel peace in knowing that as a new day begins all things are once again possible. This is a serene, worry-free time for me and I treasure the tranquility each new morning brings to me.

Tranquility is something I frequently strive to find and, in doing so, I generally fail. Striving to achieve tranquility seems like an oxymoron to me, at least in the sense that I view my most tranquil moments as those characterized by an absence of stress rather than the presence of an achieved goal. Although I do enjoy the feeling of having accomplished some task that I may have set for myself, I still find more peace when I allow my mind to empty itself of all thought beyond relaxed contemplation of the current moment.

We surely do not live in an age when feelings of tranquility are a frequent occurrence, at least not as long as we remain focused on the world outside of ourselves. Although engaging with the outside world is a necessary and unavoidable activity, it has also become far too easy in my opinion for that to be the sole focal point of our day. To achieve the tranquil benefits of harmony and balance in our lives, I believe we also need some time each day to allow our thoughts to turn inward, reflecting on as little as possible and clearing our minds so they値l be free to absorb new ideas or impressions.

It does not matter to me whether I find tranquility in the dawning hours of a new day or in the Zen-like discovery of it at any time by simply emptying my mind of intrusive thought. Tranquility is a precious gift, but one that can only be acquired by giving it to yourself. Like any other gift, it isn稚 something that will occupy your attention full time. Yet I知 convinced that even the occasional enjoyment of a tranquil state of mind offers health benefits, physical and psychological, which can allow us to live longer, more productive and ultimately happier lives.

I hope you値l find some of your own tranquility, perhaps tomorrow as a new day begins for you.

Note:
I intend to update this blog each week and I do hope you値l re-visit it often. Since I thrive on your comments, I壇 really love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me using the blue email link on the HOME PAGE for this site to send me any questions or comments you might have...or just to say hello. Thank you.

John Carroll