Undisturbed tranquility. A worthy goal. . .
I read a passage in a book this morning that suggested we should seek undisturbed tranquility. I have been thinking about that passage on and off all morning. For certain, I desire undisturbed tranquility. Don’t you? The book went on to say that seeking to know the peace of God in each moment was the path to this undisturbed tranquility. What that means to me is remembering to remember God’s presence, moment by moment. When my mind is focused there, nothing ruffles my tranquility.
Why is tranquility even important? Perhaps it’s not to every one but I spent too many decades of my life in the throes of the upheavals or the judgments of others. I was always focused on what others might be thinking about me at any one minute of time which limited my life completely and made a hostage of me. Giving that kind of power to the many others in my life didn’t make room for tranquility. Wherever you were in your emotions, I lived there too. There was no me. I was, or tried to be, a sole reflection of you, certain that I’d not be rejected. Ever. Alas, rejection came. I think rejection always follows on the heels of obsessive clinging. Tranquility wasn’t a mood I even understood then. And it’s the only mood I strive to experience now.
How did a change as dramatic as this evolve? Discovering new information plays a role. And I think time and patience will open the door to a new way of seeing. I also think being introduced by others to a new way of thinking about our lives helps the door to stay open. Watching those people on my path who demonstrated the kind of life I sought encouraged me to “step out” in new ways. We can learn by imitation.
I also think we eventually feel the difference in our own body when we make the choices that support us to feel whole and free and in our own partnership with the God of our understanding. For me the first inkling that my life could be different came from a passage I read in a book by John Powell in 1971. So long ago and yet it feels like yesterday still. What I read literally rocked my very world.
Powell was walking with a friend down a NYC street. They stopped and bought a paper from a vendor who was very rude. Powell’s friend treated him kindly any way and even gave him a tip. Powell was curious and asked why, especially after the vendor had been so rude. He said, “Why should I let him decide what kind of day I am going to have?” I was riveted by that comment. My life had always been a reaction to others. There is no tranquility ever on the horizon if “that’s where you live.” I knew those words were meant for me.
Now it’s 2012. And I’m still struck by the value of those words to any one of us who lets the behavior of others color your world. But there is another way to live. Undisturbed tranquility is a quiet decision. Let’s make it together. Now.
