The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled from 161-180. He wrote a book called Meditations in 167 (actually a collection of 12 books), while engaged in military campaigns. His book is his thoughts regarding life. You can download his book online for free, as it is in the public domain.
In book four of Meditations, Marcus writes, “Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, at the seashore, and in the mountains; and you tend to desire such things very much. But this is a characteristic of the most common sort of men, for it is in your power whenever you will to choose to retreat into yourself. For nowhere either with more quiet or more freedom from trouble does a man retreat than into his own soul,...”
Summer is the season for many to take a vacation from the hustle and bustle of life. It is a time when many seek special places to retreat and relax. Often we look for a special place, be it at the beach, mountains, or forest that fosters a calm restoring peace. While this is good and welcomed, Marcus reminds us that sometimes the best retreat is within us, wherever we find ourselves.
