Meditations 4.3: 

“People try to get away from it all—to the country, to the beach, to the mountains. You always wish that you could too. Which is idiotic: you can get away from it anytime you like. By going within.

Nowhere you can go is more peaceful—more free of interruptions—than your own soul. Especially if you have other things to rely on. An instant’s recollection and there it is: complete tranquillity. And by tranquillity I mean a kind of harmony.

So keep getting away from it all—like that. Renew yourself. But keep it brief and basic. A quick visit should be enough…”

I just spent the past week getting away from it all at the beach with my family. Coming home is bittersweet. Bitter, for the loss of the carefree leisure. Sweet, for the return to the comfortably familiar.

But the tranquility of getting away is always just a breath away. Right here, right now. 

No beach required.