Towards Equanimity to Serenity: a Zen journey.

With our waves of stressors,  multi-tasking, and information overload -real and false-, finding and maintaining a sanctuary of proper mental balance and calmness is almost impossible to reach, and yet critical to achieve. This is affecting not only adults but also kids. 

While facing stressors, Zen serenity, a fundamental concept deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism Dharma, offers a compelling avenue towards ongoing mental tranquility, quietness called serenity, and, while facing stressors, a proper emotional balance called equanimity. Eventually, serenity will open the door to  Awakening. But what exactly do they mean, and how do you practice them?

Zen serenity:

   It is an ongoing, permanent mental state of tranquility, peacefulness, and harmony with

   our surroundings, irrespective of unpredictable life’s challenges.

Zen equanimity:

   In the word equanimity are the words equal, and equilibrium. 

   It is the ability to remain emotionally balanced while facing acute and challenging situations in the present moment, regardless of how exciting or fearful the events are.

So: the former ( serenity ) is a permanent mental state, whereas the latter ( equanimity) is an adaptive one. 

Example:

Imagine a tightrope walker oscillating right and left, and holding a long pole to keep her/his balance 

while moving slowly on the rope. The pole - or equanimity- helps the walker to keep her/his equilibrium allowing the walker to remain emotionally stable or serene while progressing slowly along the rope.

How to get them?

1 - Meditation:

     The practice of daily meditation by observing thoughts/feelings in a non-judgmental, non-emotional way is obviously critical. Mindfulness-based meditation is, by definition,  practicing equanimity.

2- Having a Zen lifestyle:

     It is about integrating non-judgmental mindfulness -  that is, active awareness of the moment-

into :

1) our routine, mundane, dull daily activities, and

2) while facing unexpected events stressful or not. 

This simplicity and attentiveness will transform activities and events into moments of acceptance, therefore inducing equanimity and serenity.

The Zen Path : 

Embarking on the journey to Zen equanimity/serenity isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about embracing a process of continual growth and positive discovery with its unavoidable ups and downs.

By incorporating meditation and a mindful approach to daily living, you’re not just seeking equanimity and serenity, you’re nurturing them within, moment by moment, while facing people and stressful events as they are and not as you want them to be. 

Conclusion:

Equanimity and serenity cannot grow without us being challenged by adversity. 

Also, Awakening cannot exist w/o practicing Equanimity and Serenity.

Thich Nhat Hanh told us that Buddhist serenity includes the ability to see everyone and everything as they are, like a mirror does. 

He said,

"With serenity, we learn to disregard all potential discrimination and prejudice, and remove all boundaries between ourselves and others,"

He added this: In a conflict, even though we may become deeply concerned and reactive, we remain impartial, even able to be compassionate  and to understand both sides."   THANKS