Clear Sky

Good Morning,

After spending a week in Miami on vacation I came to the realization
that we all could probably use a little more balance or "equanimity"
in our lives. Equanimity is considered a state of balance or poise.
Sometimes it is referred to as a "radiant state of mind." None of
this should be confused with withdrawal or indifference (subtle forms
of aversion). By contrast equanimity is a state of complete openness,
we are fully connected to what's going on, yet we are free of the
exhausting ceaseless grasping on to pleasure and pushing away of pain.

To reach a state of equanimity we must first learn to not identify
with our emotions and believing that they define our experience (I
feel bad, so it's a bad day or I like this this, so this is a good
day). If we do this habitual pattern we often end up feeling defined
and/or trapped by those feelings. One method that may help us break
free of the chains of our emotions is to liken the mind to a vast,
clear sky. All our sensations, thoughts and emotions are like weather
that passes through without affecting the nature of the sky itself.
The clouds, the winds, the snow and rainbows come and go, but beyond
it all the sky remains clear and undisturbed. If we let our minds be
like the sky and all the moments that arise in your mind pass through
like the changing weather we can remain more balanced and relaxed
without getting swept away in the drama of every passing storm.

Equanimity is the natural fruit of mindfulness and when we are
mindful of the changing sensations, thoughts and emotional states we
acknowledge their existence and their impermanence. In this way,
every single moment of mindfulness becomes another step toward
equanimity.

Have a wonderful day and think about this; When we take control of
our emotions we begin to consciously and deliberately reshape our
daily experience of life.

Peace and Love, Jim