Tranquility has a way of finding you

After the holiday decorations and lights are gone, there are days when the rooms in your house do not seem as warm and bright as they were in December. All those additional lights in the house can create such a feeling of tranquility. Maybe you can relate to this. During the holidays, you can turn off all the overhead lights and big lamps and just take in the glow of the colored mini-lights, candles, lighted crèche, Hanukkah candles, and Christmas tree. The resulting glitter and warmth set a peaceful scene.

I hope you were able to enjoy such moments during those festive days. For me, just walking alone into a lit and decorated room provided a tranquil escape. I reflected on the blessings of life and how I could enjoy them with my family and friends. Just as important, though, I closed my eyes and tried not to think about anything—just listening for the sound of silence.

Tranquility can come while you are bathed in light, but it can also appear as light coming in through the cracks of life. I am reminded of Leonard Cohen’s “Anthem” where he writes: “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

 

When we pause and focus on using the light to see, what might we learn about tranquility? It is a sense of peace and quiet—calmness and serenity. It is the feeling you have while sitting under a starry sky, listening to the crickets. It is the soft light of sunrise and the dimming light of sunset. It is calmness in the world, the feeling of being com­pletely carefree.

Have you felt it lately? I am here to tell you that tranquility will find you if you let it. You might want to make that a New Year’s resolu­tion for 2024.

In my last publisher’s letter, I mentioned that my husband and I had made it a priority last fall to visit each of our family members in Europe. I also challenged readers to make plans to visit their own family members as time allows, and to make that a resolution as well. If you do, I believe the tranquility you seek will find you through your relationships— from your immediate, intimate relationships to your extended family, friends, and colleagues.

As I consider the new year ahead of me, my deci­sion is to go full steam ahead into it. I know that whatever 2024 brings my way, light will always shine through the cracks of life, and tranquility will find me wherever I am and in whatever I am doing. I would wish the same for you.

I raise a virtual glass in a toast to 2024, in appreciation of you, dear readers and supporters, and in anticipation of great and tranquil things ahead. Be well, friends!

Daniela J. Jaeger

Group Publisher, TOTI Media