Chapter 7 is an exploration of the state of being that we all seem to want -- equanimity, or "steady mind". As we've learned, our brain is often on high alert, looking for danger or chasing pleasure. But equanimity, according to the author, acts as a circuit breaker, neutralizing the emotions and physiological responses to thoughts such that we can let the vagaries of every day existence pass right through us without a ripple.
How does one achieve such a state. Oh! Surprise! Meditation! Just as asana (the poses) is a practice, so is meditation and with practice (a little bit every day) we can train our minds to let the constant stream of thoughts pass like the clouds in the sky. Our brains may put out the same signals but we do not respond with the same freak-out!
Just like when the alarm goes off in the morning, you might awaken with a jolt, heart pounding, leap out of bed with brain yelling all manner of instructions: "Ohmygod! I gotta get up! I'm gonna be late! Where's my coffee? How much traffic is there today? Hope my meeting goes OK. Will Frank be a jerk to me again?" And on and on... Equanimity gets us this response: "Loud tone coming from the clock." Then either roll over and go back to sleep or get up calmly letting thoughts flow without attaching to the story, since none of the things your brain wants you to worry about are even real in that moment.
"But wait, my heart did start to pound; I did feel something,' you say! Yes, and Buddha's brain will also help us work with that. We can dampen the Stress-Response System, which gets totally out of whack when we are in a constant state of stress. There is a feedback loop in there that goes like this: you are frightened by something (real or a mere thought of something bad), your body responds with the heart racing, sweaty palms thing which your body interprets as proof of a threat, which then triggers the fear response again! Vicious cycle ensues. Your own body is telling you to be afraid (or stressed). You are not responding anymore to an external threat but to your body's own warning system. This can be interrupted by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. How?
Remember from the previous post we talked about ways to stimulate this parasympathetic nervous system? Diaphragmatic breathing. Progressive relaxation. Imagery. Body awareness. It's why when people are freaking out we tell them to take a deep breath. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a state of calm.
Every day, even if for a minute or two (or best yet, during savasana at the end of yoga class!) begin to practice equanimity. Notice the thoughts in your mind; notice if you are responding to them with "story" or a physiological response, then take a deep breath, feel your body as it touches the floor or the chair, let the thoughts pass through your mind without any attachment to what they are telling you. Recognize and acknowledge them and maybe even say to yourself, "Thinking". There is no need to try to stop thoughts -- they won't listen to that and you'll just frustrate yourself. But don't let them hook you either. They are just passing clouds.
With this daily practice you are moving closer and closer to equanimity. Peaceful mind.©
Namaste, donnajurene
Photo Credit: pixabay.com
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