Equanimity
Most people don't know what 'equanimity' means. When they find out, they may consider it unachievable, and not necessarily desirable. After all, our culture is captivated by roller coaster rides: stimulation & distraction.
Definitions of equanimity from the web:
• "mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation";
• "a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind";
Equanimity from meditative experience:
• "the ability to see without being caught by what we see. When well-developed, such power gives rise to a great sense of peace."
• "the ease that comes from seeing a bigger picture."
• "to remaining centered in the middle of whatever is happening. This balance comes from inner strength or stability. The strong presence of inner calm, well-being, confidence, vitality, or integrity can keep us upright, like a ballast keeps a ship upright in strong winds. As inner strength develops, equanimity follows."
• "a protection from the 'eight worldly winds': praise & blame, success & failure, pleasure & pain, fame & disrepute."
So, equanimity is more like "the peace that surpasses all understanding" than the wild ups & downs of day-trading. Equanimity develops naturally along the spiritual path. We seem to need to thoroughly experience, process and outgrow stimulation & distraction before we can appreciate equanimity.
