Using meditation to find mental calmness in these difficult times
Today for our mindfulness exercises we will be focusing on creating equanimity. Equanimity, what even is this GRE word? It is how it sounds in many ways, the mental state of composure and even emotions during times of high stress. If the concept sounds a little Eastern or Buddhist to you, you are correct. Equanimity, or in Sanskrit, Upekṣā , is one of the four pure meditative states on the path to nirvana and part of the seven paths of enlightenment. But don't let the spiritual nature of the concept intimidate you. You don't need to be a Buddhist monk to achieve equanimity; you simply need to practice like anything else. An important thing to realize is that equanimity is not indifference towards the world or emotions; it is not letting them negatively affect you. It is part of the path to rid ourselves of the trappings of lust, greed and overall unhealthy desire which has plagued humans throughout our existence, but it is not a rejection of all things carnal. This is simply an exercise to rid ourselves of those emotions and desires that no longer serve us and perhaps can even harm us.
Equanimity is perhaps not only a great goal in life, but an amazing goal for during quarantine. But I think we can all agree that achieving a sense of equanimity is much easier said than done. How do we even begin to achieve this in everyday life, let alone during quarantine? It is an incredible challenge to remain composed and present in daily life right now. I have noticed several trends in my friends as of late; either completely checking out and distracting themselves with social media, video games and alcohol. Or, they are completely throwing themselves into work, if they are still working, or new work, such as their children's education. Both of these trends to me are the same exact response, and that is distancing yourself from the moment. The emotions and stress are simply too much and it is very easy to throw yourself into work or play, just to not have to face the emotions or worry you are experiencing. It is hard to be present in a time of such uncertainty. It really is easier to distract yourself and repress the emotions this situation is bringing up, but we encourage you to try to look in yourself and find the strength and composure to be both present and not being controlled by your emotions. There is nothing wrong with feeling like you are unable to cope with what is happening in the world around you, but we truly believe that you can find the strength to grow now. To help you in achieving this, today we will focus on meditation for equanimity.
Find your space to be relaxed and alone and get yourself comfortable. Start with your mindful breathing, breathing in fully through your nose, letting your body fill with oxygen, and exhaling through your mouth, pulling your belly button to your spine, letting all the air out. Give yourself several of these cleansing breaths, when you are ready set the intention of this meditation. Say to yourself, “I am at peace knowing that which is meant for me will never miss me, and what misses me was never meant for me.” Focus on this thought and ponder it. Distractions will come, and just note them. Perhaps things you feel you should have or wanted will pass through your mind, and remind yourself, that which is meant for me will never miss me.
If this thought is too hard and you find yourself continually distracted, try “Right now, it is like this”. Breathe in and out and acknowledge that the present is here and is exactly what it is supposed to be. If your mind is very distracted simply note the distractions, “A distracted mind right now it is like this.” In a moment it may not be like this any longer, in another it may return. Simply allow yourself to be. Focus again on the breath and how your body reacts to it. Right now, it is like this. The breath moving through you; you in your chair in your house. The world shut down, the future unknown, right now, it is like this. As the distractions come, let yourself ponder them but release them. The thing you didn't achieve was never meant for you, the thing that you wanted, perhaps not yet, right now, it is like this. Breathe and be in the moment. Note your desires for the future and your life, but do not be controlled by them, focus on even emotion, even reaction, accept everything around you, breathe. Right now, it is like it is.
When you feel the meditation has completed its service to you, open your eyes and give yourself a few more cleansing breaths. Stretch your arms over your head and let your spine stretch with your arms. Bring your arms back through the center of your body and let them rest at your side. I am at peace knowing that which is meant for me will never miss me and that which misses me was never meant for me. Look right, then left, now center. You are in control of your emotions, you are in control of your life. Everything is as it is and you are on the path your life is meant to be. You are in control yet you are still present. You are in control yet you still can feel pain, worry, regret, you just are not controlled by these emotions, they are simply what drive you to become better. You are exactly where you need to be.
How have you been handling the stress of quarantine? Has mindfulness exercises helped you take a rational approach? Contact us with any questions or comments at info@bullionite.com