Equanimity. It is hard not to envy those who have experienced or live in a state of equanimity. So vital yet so elusive.
Equanimity is psychological calmness where one remains stable in the face of stress, conflict, or adversity. The word equanimity is derived from Latin; “aequus” means "equal" and “animus” meaning "mind".
In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna describes equanimity as an evenness of mind, a state of unshakeable calmness that is not disturbed regardless of what is going on in their lives or world, responding equally to both joy and sadness. It encourages detachment from the outcomes of one's actions. Equanimity is linked to yoga and describes yoga as the art of maintaining mental balance and composure in all situations. Doing our work without attachment to outcomes.
Equanimity does not mean that an individual ignores or suppresses their feelings. On the contrary, it helps us acknowledge and experience the full spectrum of emotions, with awareness but without active engagement, feeling without floating away with the emotions. This balanced state allows individuals to respond to adversity and joy alike.
In daily life, equanimity is invaluable. It helps us achieve peace and liberation. By cultivating equanimity, we can rise above dualities of life, including pleasure and pain, gain and loss. It enhances decision-making by allowing us to approach problems with clarity and un-clouded by intense emotions. It fosters a sense of stability and makes it much easier to weather life's ups and downs. Most important, equanimity improves relationships. It enables one to approach others from a place of calm and understanding rather than reactivity and defensiveness.
In the face of stressors, fostering equanimity is a game-changer. It helps in maintaining a peaceful mind amid chaos, leading to better mental health and overall well-being.
So, how do we get there? Different people reach equanimity in their own unique ways and there is no set path. A few techniques that may additionally help are:
#Cultivating awareness of your emotions
#Observe rather than engage with your emotions
#Reminding yourself that you do not have to believe everything you think
#Informalmindfulness in routine life
A reminder that fostering equanimity is a marathon and not a sprint. Persistence and discipline are the stepping stones towards a less chaotic mind.
Wishing you equanimity and peace!
댓글