Hi,
It's Theo,
And thanks for joining me in a mindfulness practice on Cultivating Equanimity.
Equanimity describes a state of balance and an open-mindedness to experience.
Even when situations don't turn out the way we want,
Equanimity allows us to face both difficult and pleasant conditions without reactivity.
A practice of equanimity begins with feeling a sense of composure and evenness of temper with each experience,
Rather than being consumed,
Overwhelmed,
Or bound by immediate or old responses.
We refrain from being emotionally reactive when we feel undermined or attacked,
And make room for new and more spacious ways of thinking.
So let's get started.
Sit in a comfortable position.
Allow both soles of your feet to connect to the floor.
Rest your hands on your thighs and allow your shoulders to drop.
Gently close your eyes if you'd like,
Or look for a reference point somewhere on the floor where you can return your eyes when they get distracted.
Allow your spine to grow tall and noble like the trunk of a tree.
Notice how your body feels.
Now bring your attention to the flow of your breath.
Simply notice each breath coming into the floor.
Simply notice each breath coming into the body with an in-breath and leaving the body with an out-breath.
Now let go of the breath as your focus of attention and simply be present to whatever arises in your awareness.
It could be thoughts,
Emotions,
Body sensations,
Or even sounds from within or from your external environment.
Acknowledge the way you feel as the observer of your experience.
See if you can bring an open and accepting quality of attention to what you are experiencing,
Regardless if it is pleasant or unpleasant.
If you notice your mind is caught up in judgments,
Know that this is normal.
Simply notice what it is that you are judging and see if you can become more open and curious about the experience.
The intention of an equanimity practice is to welcome each experience just as it is.
Continue to be present to whatever arises in your awareness,
Remembering that no experience is right or wrong.
To close this practice,
Bring your attention back to the flow of your breath.
Allow each in-breath to be a new beginning and each out-breath to be a letting go.
When you are ready,
Open your eyes if they were closed and slowly bring your attention back to your surroundings.
Notice how you feel right now.
With intention,
An attitude of equanimity has the capacity to calm the mind and ground the body.
With time and practice,
We bring greater understanding and insight and are less likely to be blown about when the winds of life change direction.
Thank you for your practice.
