Tranquility

If you seek tranquillity, do less. - Marcus Aurelius

Tranquility is a peaceful, steady state of calm.

When we are tranquil we are free from stress and anxiety, like a pond with no ripples.

Modern society shortcuts its way to tranquility with tranquilizers…

But there’s a simple way to move yourself consistently into a more tranquil state:

Do less, and do it better.

Marcus Aurelius wrote in Meditations:

“If you seek tranquillity, do less.

Or (more accurately) do what’s essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way.

Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better.

Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?”

But we need to eliminate unnecessary assumptions as well. To eliminate the unnecessary actions that follow.”

What tasks or items are you feeling pressured to complete today? Review your list. Which items are unnecessary? Choose to do less.

Evaluate at every moment how you’re choosing to spend your time.

There are many examples of this concept including the 80/20 Pareto Principle in business.

The more we practice this concept of being intentional about how we allow our time to be spent, the more peace and tranquility we create space for in our lives.

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash