Equanimity

Dr Suman Bharali

(dr.s.bharali@gmail.com)

Life is a journey. Sometimes we have a smooth ride and enjoy the view with relaxation. We feel light and the soul expands. We become joyful and radiate positivity. At other times, the road may be rough and discomfortable. The weather may also be bad adding to the trouble. In those times, the soul feels constricted. Our vehicle may break down in a lonely place, and we may get stuck without any help nearby. In those situations, we may get frightened and confused about what will happen or what to do. Sometimes we get lost during our journey and become doubtful about the right path. If we take a wrong turn, it may cause more trouble. In those, a little guidance from an experienced person can move us in finding the right direction. In any situation, it is better to keep moving on rather than be stuck in an unknown or insecure place. Soon we will reach a secure place or get some help.

Before birth and after death there is a void; in between these, there are events we can't avoid. When we are walking on the edge and are in a vulnerable position, we need to be extra cautious. Also, when we are joyful and elated, we need to be aware of the ground and the surrounding. A single wrong step can disbalance us and make us fall hard. So, we need to keep our mind equipoised in any situation and remain conscious about what is going on in and around us. We should not get too attached to any event that occurs in our lives. As nothing is permanent in the Universe, the entropy of the Universe is changing constantly. Even the toughest days or the worst event that happens in our lives loses their effect with time. We need to have some patience, tolerance and faith to pass the time engaging in the right activities. It might rain heavily for several days and the sky might be covered with dark clouds but eventually, the sun comes up and the rain stops. We should be prepared for tough seasons and survive them to experience better days when our lives will flourish maximum.

We perceive the universe through our sense organs and this information makes an impression on our mind and we act accordingly. A disturbing visual, negative news or words of a critic or an unpleasant sensation, aroma or taste causes discomfort in us. We either avoid them or take unnecessary action against them. Even if we don't do anything these things keep repeating in our minds and we lose our peace and sleep. Humans are full of emotions, both positive and negative. We need to be aware of the upsurge of emotions and observe them keenly before responding consciously. The truth is sometimes beyond perception by our sense organs and our opinion might be wrong. So, we should not be judgmental too soon and react impulsively. We should not get carried away by our emotions but we need to be strong enough to have control over our emotions. Even emotions are not permanent and change with time. The event that made us angry at a time may make us laugh at it later on. Similarly, we might have to feel guilty for saying something or doing something in haste later on. So, we need to stay an observer of the events that happen and respond consciously after finding the truth. When our minds get bewildered by emotions and our intellect becomes hazy, we need to bring our awareness inwards and focus on ourselves. How our body and mind are being affected by the situation. We can calm down our restless minds and balance our emotions by taking conscious rhythmic deep breathing for some time. It also gives clarity to our intellect and sharpens our sense organs to perceive the truth. Detaching ourselves from all the responsibilities and tasks for some time occasionally and giving some isolated silent time to ourselves is necessary to observe things from a distance. Then we can see the truth and take the right actions. Meditation is helpful at that time. During meditation, our minds gradually become empty of our prejudices, questions and restlessness. Then it is refreshed, and we develop a new perspective and perceive things clearly.

A person who is not affected easily by people and situations and who is equipoised during happiness or misery is a strong person and takes the right decisions most of the time. Even if we face a disaster in our lives and lose everything but have self-confidence and an optimistic mindset, we can rebuild everything from the debris. We can rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Life is tough and we are tested in many ways but we should not give up on our dreams easily. We should focus on self-improvement and keep progressing towards it.

Very less people are there who become happy with others' success. There are more critics than admirers. But whether appreciated or not, one should not change his course if he believes it is right. One should not be affected by the words of a critic but rather learn from them. Because they point out our weaknesses and alert us to correct our mistakes and improve. When a person takes a path different from the crowd he is laughed at or thought of as stupid. When a person is on an extraordinary mission towards excellence he threatens the status-quo of others. So, they try to bring him down with different tactics. One should be alert and take conscious steps towards the goals. One has to suffer and make some sacrifices for dreaming big and different. But if one can cross the river remaining equipoised and consistent, he can do miracles which will change the lives of everyone. Once one succeeds and becomes famous everyone recognizes him and all his stories become legendary but very few people supported him during the time when he was hustling alone. Equanimity saves us from a lot of troubles and helps us succeed in every sphere of life.