Equanimity. The Secret Sauce (10% Happier Self Care Journey) 3/17/20

Equanimity. The Secret Sauce (10% Happier Self Care Journey) 3/17/20 Equanimity - Balance that comes from seeing clearly and realistically. Having a healthy perspective on change. - mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Letting go of the need to control. • Being able to intentionally put forth actions while having a healthy detachment from the outcome. Loving-kindness can become attachment (control) Compassion can lead to burnout. Sympathetic joy can lead to comparing. •  Equanimity allows us to the skill of balancing through wisdom and  understanding about what we can and can't change. We realize and accept  the fact that we can at times influence change through intention AND  that ultimately we aren't in control of outcomes and are subject to the  inevitables of life. This balance allows us to be  optimistic, proactive and hopeful without simultaneously being naive,  attached, overly invested and unrealistic. •  Experiment with using the following phrases to practice equanimity.  These phrases are meant to convey a sense of balance where we care but  we are not overwhelmed. Where we may be seeking change but with a full  acknowledgement of how things actually are. "May I accept things as they are." "I will care for you but can not keep you from suffering or fix your life for you. "I will do what I can and not feel guilty about what I can't." • Do everything you can to make a difference, and then let go of the need to control the outcome. This creates and sustains a "cheerful giver". - Aaron Hill • "My religion is acceptance over expectation." - Aaron Hill