Lower the Volume,
An essay by Maggie Stevens There is no end to the way we can parse and dissect humanity.
Baked deep within our DNA is the ability to other.
We have raised this to a habit in a fevered pitch.
We can be pro or anti limitless numbers of topics from labor unions,
Books,
Public schools,
Technology,
Taxes,
Even human rights.
Our vision has become so clouded by the dust of these arguments that have been kicked up that some people question the humanity of other human beings.
To be clear,
These people understand that everyone is part of the Homo sapien species,
But they are choosing the extreme point of view.
If one turns on any news station,
Even if it's on mute,
One can see the anger.
When exactly did we forget to talk to one another with what our teachers called our inside voices?
The meditation teacher Ruth King wisely teaches us that anger is an initiatory but not transformational emotion.
The emotion of anger is an alarm to get our attention.
Anger sends the stress hormone cortisol into the bloodstream to allow us to act quickly.
However,
A steady stream of cortisol causes inflammation in the body and weakens the immune system.
Neither our minds or bodies were meant to run on that jet fuel.
When the cortisol alarm bell rings,
We would be wise to ask,
What do I think is wrong in this moment?
Or more specifically,
What am I fearing in this moment?
Fear is the most common subtext to anger.
We fear what we do not understand.
We fear uncertainty.
We fear difference.
By othering,
We push people away as a strategy to feel safer.
We travel the continuum from discomfort to dislike to demonizing.
The famed writer James Baldwin put it this way,
I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense once hate is gone,
They will be forced to deal with their pain.
We can lower the temperature and the volume through the practice of equanimity,
Which is a Buddhist virtue.
Equanimity is defined as the profound quality of strength and evenness of mind undeterred by emotional upheaval.
Equanimity isn't detachment or indifference.
It actually requires one to lean into the emotion or situation.
With equanimity,
We can recognize the reality of the present moment.
It might not be what we want,
But it is what we have right now.
We accept the reality of the moment.
Equanimity allows a bit more breathing space to see our reaction before we act on them.
It can help us become more skillful.
I've been practicing focusing on equanimity to help me navigate this last year.
Have I achieved enlightenment or bliss?
No,
Not in this lifetime.
However,
I have recognized that the world is incredibly complex rather than binary.
I understand that the issues are interrelated rather than sound bites.
I can see that those who have different opinions are my neighbors,
My friends,
And my family,
And that we have far more in common than that which divides us.
I know deep within my heart that every human being wants the same thing,
Like safety and community.
In this way,
Equanimity opens my heart to compassion.
Audrey Hepburn,
The award-winning actress and UNICEF ambassador,
Once put it this way,
Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering.
Not career,
Not wealth,
Not intelligence,
Certainly not status.
We have to feel for one another if we are going to survive with dignity.
Empathy opens our hearts,
And compassion is the kind action that comes from an open heart.
So,
My friends,
See if you can turn down the volume and the temperature in your life by bringing in some compassion.
You can limit your media intake.
Take a walk.
If you have a pet,
Spend time with them.
If you don't have a pet,
You might need to borrow a neighbor's.
Stay hydrated.
Try saying hello to strangers on the street or in the store.
Do one good deed every day.
Something simple,
Like picking up a piece of litter.
Listen to your favorite music.
Take three deep breaths several times a day.
Tell yourself,
In this moment,
I am safe.
End each day by listing three things for which you are grateful.
I will let one of my favorite sages,
Calvin,
Of the Calvin and Hobbes comics,
Created by Bill Watterson,
Have the last word.
We are so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are.
Take care of today,
My friends.
