Edward’s Diary Entry 35 – Virtue 14: Tranquillity (of mind)

He has a tranquil mind… According to the Gita, this is the kind of mind a Sattwic individual may have, that's serenity of the mind (Shanti), peacefulness or tranquillity. Again, back in Rome, Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations said, “It is in your power to withdraw yourself whenever you desire. Perfect tranquillity within consists in the good ordering of the mind, the realm of your own.” The trouble for a beginner is that too much tranquillity drifts off into sleep, too little tranquillity is conducive to anger. The blue cow in a painted pasture inspires me, Edward, to chew the cud of calmness. Because a pacified mind is ready to look beyond or within. My problem is finding the right balance between peacefulness and tranquillity on the one hand, and enough energy to stay focused and awake, and not drift off into thoughts that veil the present moment. I have sometimes made a deal with my mind. I say: Look, I’ll give you ten minutes to roam and think about anything you want – past, present or future; not work, because that will come later, but just about anything else. And the mind answers with a mixture of everything – even work! But you just let it be – its nature is to wander. After the ten minutes, it must allow me to concentrate on one single thought only. Most times, it works. The one single thought is “Who am I?” Following the in-breath, the hold, and the outbreath, and the hold, helps a lot. There are times when a powerful presence of peace has come over me and leaves me happy and content just to continue breathing and being alive…