equanimity in motion
For some things there are no wrong seasons. Which is what I dream of for me.
Mary Oliver / A Thousand Mornings
In a lecture led by Jack Kornfield for his meditation certification course, he introduced the concept of equanimity. This, he exclaimed, is not equal to passivity, but rather the ability to cultivate a sense of calm as we move through the inevitable ups and downs of this life.
This is not unlike the work we do in Ayurveda – taking tips from the seasons to help us arrive at a place of balance if and when we feel otherwise. Just as plants cycle with the change in temperature, so too do our bodies and moods.
My friend and mentor Divya Alter writes in her book, “Certain recipes may be good to prepare in some parts of the world but not in others. Countries and cultures include specific foods to support the population in that particular environment, and people from other cultures and climates may not be able to handle the same diet… it would be incompatible to eat traditional South Indian (or any tropical) cuisine during winter in New York City… The Mediterranean diet has proven to promote longevity locally, but does it work the same in other parts of the world?”
As our diets shift with the seasons, so do our physical bodies – in shape and size; energetically and mentally. We might naturally have more pep to our step in the bright summer sun, and may lean more toward cozy hibernation in the colder months. We meet the season with that same sense of equanimity Jack discussed in his lecture to cultivate as balance and ease as possible.
Arriving at a place of calmness is not just something that magically happens to us as a result of meditation. When we come face to face with the challenges we all undoubtedly face in everyday life is when we are able to put this practice to use.
How do we remain stable when our pant size inflates for reasons unknown to us, despite our best efforts to uncover WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? How can we practice being balanced when we disagree strongly with our country’s political circus; when we have to show up for our students when we are having trouble showing up for ourselves; when our bank accounts make our jaws clench; when we are on the phone with the French government praying through both laughter and tears to the powers that be that you are communicating/understanding efficiently?
The thing is: life happens, and none of us are immune to it. Seasons and surroundings change, and so do we. Each day is an opportunity to meet our Selves, each other, our neighbors and our Earth with as much attention and equanimity as possible.
And when sh!t hits the fan, all we can do is give ourselves permission to react/have a human experience – whether it means cracking up or breaking down, throwing our hands up in hilarious surrender or ending up on the floor in a puddle of tears. It’s all valid, and it’s all part of this life, and we can always return to our Selves/the moment when we are ready.
Nothing is linear – even equanimity. It is, however, something we can remember and utilize as an anchor throughout each season, each physical and mental shift, each breath – as often as possible, for as long as we live (and perhaps even the lifetime after that…).
And so I encourage you to nourish yourselves in all forms in ways that feel good to you right now. No conditions required; no rewards or forced restraints; no should or shouldn’t.
Eat, breathe, chew, chew more, listen, share, stay fluid, give thanks, love and be love, equalize and centralize to find your own unique balance – and mostly just do you.
Thank you. Onward.
Read the newsletter for avocado toast à la pluie, features in The Fullest Mag and Savoir Vivre podcast, Costa Rica / Marrakech / Dordogne 2020 retreats, online yoga and guided meditations, an inspiring podcast, and good vibes.
Photo: Wanderlust Paris 108 with Myrto Walter.
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