PEACE OF MIND
Tranquility by Tuesday
Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters by Laura Vanderkam is a practical, refreshing take on time management that goes beyond standard productivity tips. Narrated by the author herself, the audiobook delivers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to creating a life where we prioritize what truly matters without expecting perfection.
Drawing on a study involving over 150 people, Vanderkam introduces nine insightful strategies for reclaiming time for fulfilling activities. Instead of promising a flawless schedule, she emphasizes building a resilient one that weathers life’s inevitable interruptions. Her strategies—like “Three times a week is a habit” and “Effortful before effortless”—are adaptable, actionable, and designed for real-life chaos. Vanderkam’s style is both approachable and inspiring, offering wisdom on making purposeful choices with our time and avoiding the trap of waiting for “someday.”
For anyone who’s tired of endless to-do lists and constant busyness, Tranquility by Tuesday is more than a time-management manual; it’s a guide to crafting a balanced, meaningful life. Oliver Burkeman’s praise rings true: Vanderkam’s advice is both inspirational and grounded in practical evidence, making this audiobook a must-listen for those seeking a calmer, more intentional approach to their days.
PEACE OF MIND
True nature of the mind
The true nature of the mind is a subject of deep philosophical and scientific inquiry, often explored through concepts of consciousness, perception, and identity. The mind can be viewed as the seat of consciousness, encompassing thoughts, emotions, memories, and the ability to perceive and interpret reality. Philosophers like Descartes have famously pondered the nature of the mind, suggesting it is distinct from the body, while modern neuroscience seeks to understand how mental processes arise from brain activity. The mind’s true nature involves an interplay between subjective experiences and objective biological processes, making it a bridge between the physical and experiential realms.
An illustrative example of the mind’s true nature can be seen in the phenomenon of mindfulness meditation. During mindfulness practice, individuals focus on their breathing and bodily sensations, observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This exercise highlights the mind’s capacity for self-awareness and introspection, allowing practitioners to observe the flow of mental activity as it occurs. Through mindfulness, one can experience a deeper understanding of the mind’s transient and dynamic nature, as thoughts and emotions come and go like waves in the ocean. This practice demonstrates that while the mind is deeply influenced by the physical brain, it also possesses a unique ability to reflect on and transcend its own processes, revealing the intricate and profound nature of mental experiences.
The true nature of mind is often described as pure awareness or consciousness beyond thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. It is considered to be the unchanging, observing aspect of our experience, remaining constant despite the changing mental states and perceptions we experience daily. This view suggests that the mind’s true nature is open, boundless, and inherently peaceful, allowing us to witness experiences without attachment. Cultivating awareness of this nature is central to many meditation practices aimed at understanding consciousness and self.