“We should take wandering outdoor walks so that the mind might be nourished and refreshed by the open air and deep breathing.”

— Seneca, On the Tranquility of Mind, 17.8

A single droplet, gently touching a tranquil lake, sends ripples in every direction. Yet, undisturbed, the lake returns to its serene state. Even a lake craves a peaceful environment to dissolve all the ripples. In a world filled with a deluge of information, our minds are like this lake, constantly bombarded, directly impacting its peaceful state. In this noisy, polluted environment, we are surrounded by the cacophony of construction sites, cars, loud music, televisions, and smartphones. Just like the lake, our minds need a peaceful environment to return to a state of full inner attention and focus on what is truly important. This is why many people are embracing techniques like mindfulness to honor the needs of our minds and bodies.

Some may attribute this excess to modern times: noises, smells, lights, etc. However, if we delve into the past, we find many examples from Seneca to Kant, Schopenhauer to Nietzsche, and Jane Austen to Russell, all extolling the importance of clearing our minds, enjoying a peaceful walk, and resting under a tree in solitude. These timeless voices echo the value of tranquility in our lives, offering us a wealth of wisdom from which to draw inspiration.

• John Muir: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.“
• Jane Austen: “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.“
• Nietzsche: “Only ideas gained from walking have any worth.“
• Bertrand Russell: “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.“

It sounds so simple to go for a walk or sit and contemplate nothing while doing nothing. Yet, Oscar Wilde observed, “To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.” Deepak Chopra noted, “In stillness and silence, even the faintest intention will ripple across the underlying ground of universal consciousness, which connects everything with everything else. But, if you do not experience stillness in consciousness, if your mind is like a turbulent ocean, you could throw the Empire State Building into it, and you wouldn’t notice a thing.” The Bible, too, advises, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness can only be achieved through pure meditation.

Chopra also points out that another way to quiet our thoughts is through the practice of non-judgment. Judgment constantly evaluates things as right or wrong, good or bad. When you constantly evaluate, classify, label, and analyze, you create a lot of turbulence in your internal dialogue. This turbulence constricts the energy flow between you and the field of pure potentiality. You squeeze the “gap” between thoughts. This gap is your connection to the field of pure potentiality. That state of pure awareness, that silent space between thoughts, that inner stillness connects you to true power. These mindfulness techniques are simple yet powerful, empowering you to take control of your mental well-being.

Respect your mind’s needs by giving it time to rest and focus on what is essential. Go for a walk, sit under a tree, and enjoy the moment of nothingness. Listen to the silent symphony of nature, and clear your mind of any judgment that could disturb your inner peace. Embracing tranquility is not just a choice but a commitment to your mental well-being. The return you will get can be profoundly satisfying, motivating you to continue on this path.