"Equanimity" and "equal" share the same Latin roots, but equanimity has more depth as it comes from two words "aequus" and "animus". The former means level, calm, or impartial and the latter is the soul or mind. So integrate the two words and we have the Latin phrase "aequo animo", which means "with an even mind". However, it is not simply about keeping a cool head in the face of adversity or when we are under stress, but rather using equanimity as a breeding ground for wisdom and compassion. It is about being a silent observer and not caught up by what we see and what we hear. It is about being centred in the middle of what is happening and accepting it without prejudice or preference. It is about being able to let go of your preconceived ideas on people and issues and maintaining a neutral stance.
If we can at least be mindful of every situation and remind ourselves not to fall into the drama of the happenings, that will be the first step. After all, they are all dramas that have been replaying over and over again, only the cast and setting are different. The problem, is, we have always perceived them as real.
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