Equanimity is calamity’s medicine.
~ Publilius Syrus
Do you know anyone whose life doesn’t have a few ups and downs? Ya, me neither. Equanimity is detached observation; it is the practice of being mindfully aware whether we are leaning toward “whatever is” and favoring it, or, pulling away from “whatever is” and disfavoring it and then finding the balance of a neutral position that favors neither. Equanimity can be practiced when navigating our way through difficult times as well as when dealing with difficult people. It is a mindfulness practice that helps us be the observer of our thoughts and feelings before we act on them in a manner that we may later regret. In Buddhism, equanimity might be considered an aspect of walking the middle path because it creates the perfect emotional balance required to stay on the ride and not be seduced by the polarity of life in the human condition.
To cling to the belief that our life is supposed to continually progress in an ascending straight line with no bumps, dips and whoop-de-do’s causes much suffering. If today is a day of curves and bends rather than an ascending straight line, darkness rather than light, sadness rather than happiness, failure rather than achievement, remember that it must have an end just as it had a beginning. Equally important, remember that while it is not to be perceived as permanent, just as a roller coaster stops between rides, there is a period of rest in between the two. Take a breath and fully “be” in that sacred space. This is the wisdom of “Whoopdedo” in action.
Equanimity embraces all of the whoopdedos life offers us as well as the days of blue skies and green lights—and takes neither too seriously; it brings balance to our perspective, allowing us to breathe and experience the sacred gap—the space of what is—that lies between what was and what shall be, knowing as surely as night follows day, this too shall pass. Remember, there will always be more whoopdedos ahead on the roller coster of life. This is truly great news because it means we’re alive—and that’s a ride worth staying on. Just remember to breathe and keep your balance!
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