How many times have we heard both children and adults voice frustration and state, "just leave me alone"? Is this a plea to be left alone or could it be a need for solitude? Solitude apparently can help heal, relax body and mind, and allow for inward searching in a socially-acceptable manner of escape from trials and tribulations. Such solitude is synonymous with tranquility. In pronouncing The Perfectibility of Man, Benjamin Franklin lists tranquility as one of 13 principles by which man may achieve moral perfection. He stated, "the perfectibility of man, dear God! When every man as long as he remains alive is in himself a multitude of conflicting men." And insofar as tranquility, Franklin clearly practiced his belief, saying, "be not disturbed by trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable". He liked to swim, fish and court in company with his friends, he preferred solitude for his intellectual work and quiet reflection. This desire for tranquility was imperious and stayed with him until the end of his life. .
Jeffrey Kottler stated, "There is convincing evidence that the search for tranquility is not a luxury but a biological need. Just as humans possess a herding instinct that keeps us close to others most of the time, we also have a conflicting drive to seek out tranquility. If the distance between ourselves and others becomes too great, we experience isolation and alienation, yet if the proximity to others becomes too close, we feel smothered and trapped." This quote is a prime example of how tranquility helps heal. Humans need tranquility when they are trying to heal. One would not want mad confusion if they were trying to mend something in their life, one would want calmness. .
"It has been shown when the mind is still it is clear and more open". The physiological impact of relaxation mat be the result of its effects on cortical, a hormone released by the body in response to stress.