“The foundation of all mental illness is the unwillingness to experience legitimate suffering.” — Carl Jung
Webster’s dictionary defines equanimity as “evenness of mind especially under stress.”
In this time of endless stress and chaos around us, how do we develop skills to stay grounded? Is it possible to master our emotions so we can stay calm and grounded even when we are challenged by someone with uncontrolled anger?
In the school of life, we are challenged to grow and rise above, and to be a beacon of light, not of darkness. This growth does not end with enlightenment, but rather in an endless invitation of self-transformation, of becoming a grounded, balanced, peaceful and compassionate human being.
In the pursuit of human excellence, we encounter challenges; they give us an opportunity to practice, develop and grow. When we are centered and grounded, we are like a house built on a great foundation, capable of withstanding the greatest hurricanes.
Equanimity invites us to develop an inner strength so we can handle whatever life stressors come our way. Carl Jung wrote, “The foundation of all mental illness is the unwillingness to experience legitimate suffering.” Psychological research reaffirms this statement by asserting that avoidance and unhealthy efforts to escape and avoid emotions often contribute to psychological distress.
Stan Strycharz is a licensed psychologist practicing in Southwest Florida. He can be reached at drstan.net.
Carl Rogers, an American psychologist known for his person-centered approach, thought that unconditional positive regard (unconditional love) and a non-judgmental approach lead to self-growth and are the best roadmap to becoming the best person we can be.
Equanimity enables us to observe and notice what is happening around us without interfering with our emotional balance. Equanimity enables us to observe our thoughts and emotions without being governed and consumed by them. The practice of mindfulness meditation is one way to develop this kind of equanimity and leads to greater emotional self-regulation.
Cultivate kind thoughts and practice gratitude. Embrace and live by the golden rule: Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.
Your practice of equanimity will lead to greater inner peace and a healthy mind and body.
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
“If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
“The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
“Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” — Mother Teresa