Why is developing equanimity critical in modern times?
- Michelle L. Caruso
- May 18
- 2 min read
First off, the word equanimity (eck-wuh-nihm-ity) can be defined as the ability to maintain composure and remain level-headed, particularly during times of stress. The term originates from the Latin word aequanimitas, which combines aequus (meaning "even," "level," or "equal") and animus (meaning "mind" or "spirit"). One of the best quotes I have come across that encapsulates an equanimous approach to life is the following:
“When things are going well, don’t relax, and when they’re not, don’t panic.” ~ Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche ("Trungpa") was a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, scholar, and artist who was an integral figure in the dissemination of Buddhism in the West and centered his teachings on fully accepting reality as it is, thus making things "workable." When I was first introduced to Trungpa via his seminal text "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism," I was struck by the clarity and fearlessness of his teaching style, which emphasizes the ample opportunities in daily life to practice non-reactivity and develop our composure by embracing reality's unpredictable, ever-changing nature.
One aspect of mindfulness that is often overlooked is the cultivation of equanimity, which is the foundation of The Four Immeasurables (along with loving-kindness, compassion, and joy). In Buddhism, The Four Immeasurables are deep teachings and practices related to enhancing our ability to maintain relationship with one another by gradually increasing our capacity for love. It is nonsensical to think that we can access our inherent abilities to be loving, compassionate, and joyful if we are living in a state of overwhelm and thus responding reactively, which is the opposite of equanimity, and a barrier to connection.
Given the tenor of modern times, it is essential, in my opinion, to develop our capacity to embrace the unpredictable, uncontrollable, and ever-changing nature of reality and increasingly build our ability to respond from a place of balance. If you are ready to increase your equanimity by cultivating embodied mindfulness or by enhancing your current practice, please reach out. This work can be quite liberating!
Take good care,
Michelle
