Equanimity - that quality of mind which is balanced, steady, and non-reactive - is developed by learning to open skillfully to the full range of our experience. It is equanimity which allows the heart to feel safe enough to open to our own difficult states, and the difficult states of others. Deep equanimity is " the peace that passes understanding", a wisdom and equipoise which can hold it all.
Wholesome states of mind are often unnoticed, even though they are frequently present. There are reasons to turn the mind toward them, and to acknowledge the goodness they represent.
How and why to orient the mind this way, and a discussion of obstacles to this turning.
Effort and energy are necessary to liberate the mind, but the effort needs to be wise and the energy calibrated to the task. Often we don't need to "try harder"- we need to learn to let go, to surrender to things as they are.
Drawing on references from the Satipatthana Sutta, this talk explores four qualities of mind & heart which the Buddha emphasized as being an essential part of our approach to meditation practice.
