You may not know what this word means, but you have been doing it for the last several months…or not on occasion.
e·qua·nim·i·ty (ekwəˈnimədē/) noun: mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation: “She accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity. (Source: Oxford Dictionary)
It isn’t easy, that is true! We have the ability to hold joy and suffering in our lives and we aim to do it with as much grace as possible. We may think the purpose of life is to avoid pain and suffering completely, however, it is inevitable that some level of discomfort will come our way at some point in our lives. Time and again, we are shown that suffering brings out the superhuman in us. We humans possess amazing strength, resilience and make an impact on the world. What comes to mind for me are my heroes who turned their pain into purpose, a reaction to their suffering. Viktor Frankel, Malala Yousafzai, Gandhi, Edith Eger, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and of course, there are simply too many to name here, but you get it. Suffering can propel us to heights we never imagined, work we didn’t intent for ourselves, and impact beyond anything possible. The wisdom that comes from suffering can free us.
So in reality (which we have been dealing with a lot in 2020), we can plan to approach any situation with as much calm and clarity as we can muster and know it is in our best interest. In fact, psychologists and neurologists routinely reinforce that when we aren’t calm in times of distress, we aren’t in our best functioning brain. We revert to our primal brain when our stress sends us into fight, flight, or freeze. This knowledge is permission and recommendation to stay calm in any situation. Even if others perceive us as “not taking the situation seriously if we aren’t panicky” the more rational you stay, the better able to handle the situation.
The term equanimity is derived from the Latin for “evenness of mind” and “calmness” and it appears in most religions. Christianity advocates temperance, gentleness and contentment of mind. In Buddhism, it’s expected we will suffer and should not have hostility or ill-will. In Judaism, leaders find it a necessary piece of spiritual growth. In Islam, it appears in surrender and acceptance.
All of the above has been demonstrated (and tested) this year. I think it is a term worth knowing and knowing well. May we all have as much equanimity as we can muster this year and beyond. We will be turning the page on 2020 in just a couple short months, but the lessons will last a lifetime.
Wishing you all clarity, compassion, contentment…and equanimity.
For more information about cultivating clarity, compassion, and contentment in your life, contact Kim at [email protected] or (518) 301-3593. Kim Perone is a Success, Bereavement, and Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer offering 1:1 coaching, workshops, programs, retreats, workplace training and resources to support you on your life’s journey. Kim is the author of The Case For Clarity, Compassion, and Contentment: Finding Your Center available at www.center4c.com and Amazon.
[email protected], (518) 301-3593, www.Center4c.com
