I've been thinking about equanimity and impermanence lately, and how much life is really about learning to be able to adapt quickly to changes.
We know this, of course. Nothing stays the same. People change, relationships change, circumstances change, and so do we. Yet knowing it doesn't necessarily make it easier when something we care about actually changes.
First, let's define these two big bold words I've mentioned.
According to my Google research, Equanimity is the inner steadiness that develops when we truly accept that reality. It is the ability to remain mentally and emotionally balanced in the face of life's ups and downs. It doesn't mean being emotionless or indifferent. Rather, it means experiencing emotions without being overwhelmed or controlled by them.
Meanwhile, Impermanence is the recognition that everything changes: circumstances, possessions, relationships, emotions, successes, failures, even our sense of self. Nothing remains exactly as it is. With this, I was reminded of a verse in the Bible. Matthew 24:35, when Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
What do I think about this? Let me try to explain it in two sentences: Impermanence tells us that nothing can be held forever. Equanimity teaches us how to let things change without losing ourselves in the process.
For example, when something good happens, we naturally want to hold on to it. But knowing that it will eventually change allows us to enjoy it without demanding that it last forever.
When something painful happens, we may think, "This will always be this way." Understanding impermanence reminds us that pain, too, changes. Equanimity allows us to endure the present without assuming it is permanent.
And there's an important distinction: accepting impermanence isn't the same as not caring. You can love someone deeply while knowing that relationships change. You can work passionately toward success while knowing that success is temporary. You can grieve a loss while understanding that grief itself will evolve.
In that sense, equanimity isn't detachment from life. It is a more mature way of being fully present in life without trying to possess it.
Perhaps my deepest version of this explanation is this: I will appreciate what is here, accept what changes, and not allow either gain or loss to determine my inner peace. Sounds relatable? He he.
Meanwhile, Impermanence is the recognition that everything changes: circumstances, possessions, relationships, emotions, successes, failures, even our sense of self. Nothing remains exactly as it is. With this, I was reminded of a verse in the Bible. Matthew 24:35, when Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
What do I think about this? Let me try to explain it in two sentences: Impermanence tells us that nothing can be held forever. Equanimity teaches us how to let things change without losing ourselves in the process.
For example, when something good happens, we naturally want to hold on to it. But knowing that it will eventually change allows us to enjoy it without demanding that it last forever.
When something painful happens, we may think, "This will always be this way." Understanding impermanence reminds us that pain, too, changes. Equanimity allows us to endure the present without assuming it is permanent.
And there's an important distinction: accepting impermanence isn't the same as not caring. You can love someone deeply while knowing that relationships change. You can work passionately toward success while knowing that success is temporary. You can grieve a loss while understanding that grief itself will evolve.
In that sense, equanimity isn't detachment from life. It is a more mature way of being fully present in life without trying to possess it.
Perhaps my deepest version of this explanation is this: I will appreciate what is here, accept what changes, and not allow either gain or loss to determine my inner peace. Sounds relatable? He he.
I think that is where equanimity meets impermanence.
Comments
Post a Comment