Equanimity

The word above describes a state of poise and balance of
temperament, especially in the presence of adversity. It is a
concept that describes one of the essential elements of well
being and good health. The human physiology continuously
strives to retain a level of homeostasis, which maintains
harmony of the being. This is facilitated through a myriad
of processes and events, occurring continuously and almost
exclusively beyond conscious awareness.

Our good health is dependent on numerous factors, and we
are almost daily bombarded by the media and other social
structures with information about what to do, what not to do,
and how often to do it, or not do it! The messages are confusing,
often presented as ‘fact’ and rarely address the wide and varied
nature of us all.

Most ill health and degeneration stem from a level of
imbalance never resolved. There can be numerous factors
which create an initial imbalance, from viruses and bacteria,
physical and emotional trauma and more insidiously,
long-term stress and discontent.

Many, many people are unhappy with the nature of their lives
on one level or another. One of the things with being human
is that there is always something to do, some part of ourselves
seeking improvement, nourishment and healing, whether
it be an inflamed tummy or a nagging doubt about our job
satisfaction. The longer these messages of discontent are
ignored, the deeper the imbalance of normal functioning
becomes, until we begin to function with the disrupted order
as the norm. When other factors and events are added to the
mix, the outcome is a collusion of symptoms, often seeming
to be unconnected, but all contributing to the “I’m not well
and I don’t know what’s wrong with me” story.

It can be an enormous challenge for us to begin to unravel the
‘story’ of why we may suffer from this or that. But we were never
promised that as humans we would not suffer, and coming
to terms with the simple fact that pain is a signal that there is
work to do on ourselves, and to approach the task with grace and
strength (equanimity) is one of the keys to becoming truly well,
on our own individual terms.

The very good news is that you can start anywhere you
like. Anywhere. For example, if like my dear self, you
enjoy a cracking cup of coffee every day (mmm coffee!)
make a commitment to taking care of your liver and
adrenal glands every day as well, with food, herbs, and
kindness. If your work involves dealing with trauma or
sadness, read Mad Magazine and watch funny movies.
If you eat a very hot curry, drink a very cooling lassi or
lots of water. If you work as a corporate raider during
the day, shop at Harvest or Huckleberry Farms in the
evening. If you take, give. If you hate, love. If you
love, love more. Crying on the inside? Smile on
the outside. Feeling bitter, act sweet. Ate rubbish last
night, eat organic fruit and veges today. These simple
equilibrilators (I just made up that word!) open the
door to your own personal version of yourself.

Finally I will share my New Year’s resolution, which
is just my daily resolution on a grander scale – To every
day become a Better Version Of Me. Aroha to you all.

Lynda Earl