On practicing Tranquility

Angels can fly because they can take themselves lightly. (Gilbert Keith Chesterton)

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Fragments from imaginary dialogues

“What are the key points in the practice of Tranquility?”

“Start by painting a vivid mental map of it using metaphors.

Peace (war model; peace is absence of war)
Stillness (water model; stillness is absence of turbulence)
Lightness (air model; lightness is absence of burden, which allows you to fly)
Home (safety, comfort, The Sacred)
Inner Sanctuary (safety, ritual, The Sacred)
…

Pick one or more based on how they make you feel.

The key points of the practice are Relaxation and Loving Gratitude [<link; medium read].

Relaxation has 3 components:

Conscious Deep Breathing

Slow down and be aware of your breathing. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system which has a calming effect.

Releasing Tension

Tension is created by resistance to what is. Releasing tension is the practice of Non-Resistance, and of releasing physical tension.

As you’re breathing, scan your body for tension.

Accept,
let go/flow,
and as you feel the tension melting away, smile.

Wholeness

Wholeness is a sense of being enough and worthy just as you are. A sense that nothing is missing.

You might even repeat to yourself:

I am enough.
I am whole.
I am worthy.

As you go through this process, feel your Heart expand and open in Loving Gratitude.”

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