Recently, particularly after a nasty mental battle while dealing with an unpredictable flare-up, I have made the conscious decision to begin practicing the art of meditation. In the past, I had used Headspace (again, not sponsored, I just like them) as a source of guided meditation as I really enjoy the teacher, Andy, and how my mind is able to react to his guidance easily.
Today, I focused primarily on opening up to the idea of not knowing anything. As I sat in quiescent repose and focused on my breath, I began to notice my mind wander away and talk to itself about things I would usually consider to be nonsense. And I realized that Andy may just be on to something. In the grand scheme of things, I really do know absolutely nothing. And you know what? That's okay. I will take the tranquility with me instead and focus on what I can learn.
Quiescent | kwī-ˈe-sᵊnt: adjective: marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest; causing no trouble or symptoms
I find irony in today's word, seeing as yesterday's basically meant the opposite, at least in terms of noise levels. I also find it fascinating that quiescent can be used to describe a disease or illness of some sort as if to compare it to dormant, but on a shorter timetable.
Derived from the Latin word, quiēscere, which meant to fall asleep, rest, or simply be quiet, quiescent has kept to the core value of the original word without imposing on the definition of quiet, the main derivative.
Quiescent | kwiˈes.ənt: adjective: temporarily quiet and not active
The nice thing about an adjective like quiescent is that it can describe any character at a given time in the novel, as it is simply a good way to represent that character taking a moment to mentally breathe. It could be sharing serenity with another, praying reverently, meditating quietly, or resting after a very long and hard day. Quiescence is tranquility of the body, if only for a brief moment of respite.
In today's example, it is a way for the character to shed some of his fears to his companion. After the entire morning is spent preparing, sometimes all a character needs is that small moment to gather themselves before things get a little dicey.
Walking around to Tazithiel's muzzle, Kal pressed his forehead against her cheek and simply stood, quiescent, for a long moment.
Do you enjoy a moment of quiescence during the chaos of your every day? What do you do to create that tranquility for yourself? What other words would you use with quiescent? Tell me all about it and more, and until tomorrow, happy reading!
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