Lesson One


“teaching”



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“Reflection”

What does the word balance mean to you? Do you have any associations or beliefs about balance? Like, it can only be achieved through self-sacrifice, or I’ll never be able to be more balanced in my life? What comes to mind?

“Takeaways”

• Equanimity’s strength derives from a combination of understanding and trust in the cycles and tides of our life’s experiences.

• The art of crossing the flood (of life’s challenges) is accomplished one moment at a time and fueled by our ability to continually begin again.

• We can cultivate enough spacious attention around our feelings so that wisdom can naturally arise.

“References”

S. N. Goenka – learn more HERE

Uppekhā – pali word for equanimity

Theravadin Buddhism – learn more HERE

“Questions”

QUESTION: Is the state of equanimity the same as contentment? Both appear to require living in the moment and radically accepting things as they are.

ANSWER: I think in some other traditions it might be called contentment. Sometimes in ordinary uses, contentment might imply being pleased about what is happening, whereas in equanimity we feel a quality of peace even when we’re not at all pleased….so it depends on how one uses that word.
QUESTION: What is the difference between equanimity and resilience? Is resilience a result of equanimity?

ANSWER: Resilience can definitely be one of the benefits of equanimity. I often frame it as the ability to begin again, but it's also about positive emotions, like joy. And balance is certainly part of it.

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