Take space to find balance.
As I write these words, considering this past year, this statement feels loaded. Many of us have had too much time in our own space with our own company, or not enough ‘space’ with family, work and chaos filling every physical and energetic moment around us.
There is no simple answer to finding balance in our lives; like the image of a weight scale it is a constant dance, practice and prioritizing of that intention: it is an ongoing process of self-discovery. It requires a willingness for self-reflection and a desire to move from doing to being.
But what if in this past year even that thought has felt not even vaguely possible?
I’ve been mulling the energy of equanimity and its connection to balance and I came across an article by Frank Boccio:
“equanimity,” a state of even-minded openness that allows
for a balanced, clear response to all situations, rather than a
response borne of reactivity or emotion.
Upeksha is not indifference to the suffering of others, nor is it a bland state of neutrality.
In fact, it means we care, and care deeply, about all beings evenly!
This understanding of upeksha as equanimity stresses the importance of balance.
A balanced heart is not an unfeeling heart.
The balanced heart feels pleasure without grasping and clinging at it,
it feels pain without condemning or hating, and it stays
open to neutral experiences with presence.
~ frank boccio
So what are some tools to help us step back from reactivity and more consistently respond in a clearer and more balanced way? A daily movement, meditation, or mindfulness practice are all tools that I use. Listen – step into your heart and listen to what feels doable and connective.
For me, first and foremost it is always connecting with my breath. It is the simplest and clearest way I know to come home into my Being.
It creates a moment of stillness and focuses my mind so I can begin to see what is important. I stop, take a breath – fully, deeply and with compassion. I try to anchor into my ground, listen and find a sense of inner balance. From here, I pay attention to what is revealed from this place of embodiment. Do I always remember to do this? No. But my life is a work in process and practice, and viewing this as a daily practice, I now
I invite you to embrace that moment of stillness to take mindful control and make the choice you really want to make.
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on your relationship to equanimity in this time. Please take a moment to drop a comment or insight.
Namaste,
Equanimity (Upeksh) is the last of the four brahma viharas (translated from Pali language as “divine abodes”). It is where the mind is no longer bothered by the dance of opposites. The traditional metaphor for equanimity is the image of a mountain. All manner of weather conditions are cast upon a mountain—rains, winds, beating sun—yet it remains unharmed.
(excerpt from “How Equanimity from Yoga helps us Live in Grace”
by Charlotte Bell www.yogauonline.com)
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