Equanimity
e·qua·nim·i·ty
ˌekwəˈnimədē
noun
mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
“she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity“
I could always find an excuse to grab a drink. A glass of champagne to celebrate, a glass of wine to ‘calm my nerves,’ vodka and soda when someone pissed me off. If you are looking for an excuse to do something, you can absolutely find one. It may not make sense to anyone else, but you see justification.
I was meditating last night. (something I am really good at doing when I don’t drink.) I was thinking about all the things that we experience in life- good, bad, happy, sad. They happen regardless of our reaction to them. We make a choice to attach a feeling/emotion to what we are experiencing. What if we were able to experience life without allowing it to alter our course?
Many times in my life I have taken those personality tests that tell me I am a ‘promoter’ a ‘creative’- one of those people who gets really enthusiastic about things. It’s in my blood. My family is loud, they laugh a lot, if they are angry- everyone knows it, if they are into something- it is all consuming. The thought of practicing equanimity sounds harder than climbing Everest.
To be clear, equanimity is not the same as indifference. Equanimity is finding an open acceptance to the natural course of life, not shutting yourself off to it.
When you can release the need to attach an emotion to every experience, you will find more freedom and joy in your life. Or so Im told. I celebrate small victories when I am able to practice this art. I know it wont happen in a day, but I am on my way.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf”
Stepping Out Of The Fog 