Recently, I’ve been involved in conversations concerning how to be in the world with the terrible violence of wars, climate change, political division, and social disconnection between groups and ideologies.
People say they don’t want to ignore what’s going on in the world and at the same time they don’t want to be so overwhelmed by events that they numb out and lose their life energy.
How to be in the world with what might be called “equanimity”?
Definition of Equanimity: mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. “She accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity.”
What are some ideas to help us do that? Some strategies that people are using:
Create boundaries with how much and what kind of information to take in. Stay informed without becoming immersed. Check in with yourself about what types of information overwhelm you (violent pictures and specific horrific details) and choose not to watch/read/listen to those things.
Take time to feel the feelings. Cry. Speak the sadness and concern. Share with others. Acknowledge and share our feelings and needs.
Is there something I can and want to do? Write letters. Make donations. Demonstrate. Dedicate oneself to actions in one’s circle of influence that bring the values one wants to see in the world—listen, empathize, speak values of peace and compassion, connect, help others, and practice kindness.
Prayers, meditations, poems, and expressions of peace, i.e., The Desiderata (“Go placidly amid the noise and haste,” etc.), Buddhist compassion meta meditation (“May I/you/we be free of pain and sorrow”), etc.
Denise Torres recently sent me her practice from a recent trip. It is specific and can also be practiced generally:
“I accept what's happening.
I allow myself to flow with the experience and feel the feelings.
I let go of making it mean something more than what it is.
This morning I accept that taking this trip under these new conditions is a new experience. I allow for all the feelings that are here—gratitude, sadness, worry, calmness, and curiosity.
I'm letting go of what they mean.
It's the experience of now.”
I would love to hear from you about your practices that help you with equanimity and to live from your heart, body, and mind. We could share them with others who might find them helpful. Please send your practices to bryn@compassionatecenter.org.
Sending Love and Peace, ~ Bryn
