Equanimity
“I found the secret to life. I’m okay when everything is not okay.
— Tori Amos
Equanimity is a state of mental calmness. We experience equanimity when we feel even or composed, especially under trying circumstances. Equanimity teaches us to be with whatever shows up. It helps us notice what shuts us down, pushes us away, or tears us wide open. It encourages us to step equally into the clear and the muddy waters, that we stay present with each moment, just as it is.
Inspiration for experiencing equanimity more often;
Repeat a mantra, or string of words that helps keep you present.
Focus on your breath.
Notice when you are feeling hostility, pause, and see if there’s an opportunity to respond with compassion.
Practice being present with each moment, just as it is.
Ask yourself, “How important is it?
Notice how you’re holding your jaw. Can you soften it?
Notice where in your life you’re holding too tightly to something or feeling a lot of aversion. Is it possible to meet these things with great openness?
Still Mind
One way to experience equanimity is to experiment with mindfulness meditation. Rather than fixing attention on a single object such as the breath or a mantra, mindfulness meditation involves the moment-to-moment awareness of changing objects of perception. Mindfulness is like a floodlight, shining awareness on the whole field of experience, including sensations, emotions, and thoughts as they arise and pass away in the dynamic, ever-changing flux that characterizes the human experience of body and mind. Mindfulness allows you to see the nature of the unfolding process without getting caught in reactivity, without identifying with your sensations, emotions, and thoughts. This insight changes your relationship to the mind-body.
Self-reflection
When is my sense of equanimity most easily shaken? What do I need to feel more centered?
The waves keep coming, but you don't get swept away by them. Or as Swami Satchidananda often said, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!" This ability to remain balanced amidst ever-changing conditions is the balance of equanimity which is an area we explore in our Resilience & Equanimity Workshop. Email us and we’ll discuss!
Reference:
Equanimity link: (https://blog.calm.com/intentions/equanimity)