Sitting in meditation, it is possible to know the deep peace within which you can be in physical or emotional pain without great turmoil. A pain in the knee aches – but somehow it is not very important. The memory of a personal loss persists – but it is not earthshaking. This is equanimity.
Some of us confuse equanimity with the stifling of thoughts and feelings – while putting considerable energy into denying their existence these people appear to be calm. Others confuse equanimity with being so deeply immersed in their thoughts and feelings that they are one with them and cannot see them arise, manifest, and fade.
Apathy is the exact opposite of equanimity. Instead of being indifferent or cold, equanimous people have the capacity to stand in the midst of an experience with a strong sense of inner peacefulness, self-assurance – and vitality. They are present but not ensnared, with an internal energy that lends brightness and clarity to life.
Some say that equanimity is like a grandmother’s love. She clearly loves her grandchildren, but being one generation removed she is less likely to be caught in the drama of their lives.
