
This weeks’ topic for reflection is equanimity in the midst of loss and gain. Equanimity’s place is between joy and sorrow, gain and loss, beginning and ending. Equanimity is the equal sign of our true self, free from any fixed position or point of view. Equanimity is vast, spacious and open. Free to be authentic and real without clinging. Equanimity is sometimes seen as imperturbable, detached and unfeeling. Equanimity is not actually without feeling or being above it all. When afraid, confused or deeply troubled, having patient stability allows for freedom to face the situation and make choices. Think of a time when you were afraid, confused or deeply troubled. If you were able to act, no matter how the situation turned out, this freedom came from a place of equanimity.
Equanimity does not have a direct effect on the situation. Equanimity is the space in which the reality of what’s happening occurs. This space is open and free. It lets everything in and everything out. It is not an escape. Turning away and its close companion clinging blocks or shields us from the open freedom of equanimity. Equanimity can only be present right now and right here in the midst of what’s happening.
I don’t think it’s possible to will yourself equanimity. We have to practice being open, patient and present. This patient stability is developed, encouraged and revealed with the practice of zazen. Just be still and be open to how you are. Notice and face how you are. It’s okay. You’re okay. Just notice. Don’t fix. Even if you’re angry or afraid. Be patient as much as you can. Take time to sit still without accomplishing anything. Schedule time to practice this.
It’s hard to develop equanimity when you are busy trying to accomplish or avoid something. When you notice you are upset, angry or afraid, see if you can relax a little and allow some spacious presence. If you can, pause and inhale fully. Then exhale a little slower than normal. Be present to your breath. This simple exercise of taking a mindful breath takes only a few seconds and it can create a little space. The space of equanimity.
A stressful situation often results in a reaction. Being in a stressful situation with equanimity, a response becomes possible. I’m using the term reaction as a action coming from greed/aversion, anger or ignorance. Greed/aversion, anger and ignorance can also be present in the midst of equanimity. Again, equanimity lets everything in and everything out. It is not an escape. It merely allows for the spaciousness of this moment. This spaciousness allows for a choice regarding to act out the reaction or to do something else. This spaciousness also adds clarity to what is actually happening which helps the response be more appropriate. Equanimity helps create the space for a passionate response. A human, caring response.
Loss and gain is a given. Everything is evolving, gaining and loosing. This is our nature and the nature of all things. What’s your relationship to loss and gain? Maybe you smile and relax. Perhaps you tighten and become stressed or anxious. Maybe some of both. To pause and honestly look develops equanimity. I also find it nice to add a small, confident smile to the endeavor.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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