Even-mindedness

 

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Even-mindedness

When we believe that someone else has been 'non-virtuous', rather than being so quick to judge, which will lead to great inner disturbance, Patanjali suggests a different tact. Stop and be present. See what is, without judging.  Sit in Upeksha - the place of even-mindedness.

Even-mindedness is defined as ‘not easily ruffled, disturbed, prejudiced; calm; equable.’ Equanimity is a state of even-mindedness during times of duress: ‘calm emotions when dealing with problems or pressure.’

If we jump to conclusions and judgments, we are bound to become agitated, angry, and react. We may lash out with hurtful words and accusations, and even become aggressive in our actions. This only further escalates the situation. And it can lead to prejudice against particular people, organisations, or cultures that we perceive in this manner.

It doesn’t matter if we are ‘right’ about our perceptions. When we hold on to being right, we close down our ability to perceive and think clearly. We get tunnel vision, seeing a more and more limited view of what is unfolding. This can cause us to respond in the very way we are judging – in a harmful, ‘unvirtuous’ way. Not at all what we intend to do!

By remaining in Upeksha, even-mindedness, we stay in inner balance.  We stand in the center point, not swinging into reaction, not allowing our emotions to carry us off, but in a place of clarity and calm, able to better respond – or recognising that our perception may have been off, and better not to act at all.

The equanimity of Upeksha allows us to see both the situation and ourselves in a balanced way. We often react with judgment because of our own similar past mistakes, or an event that happened to us in the past. When we stay in balance, we are able to sift through what is our ‘stuff’ that is being triggered, and what is truly a problematic situation that requires a healthy response.

Occasionally, when we feel guilty about our own ‘unvirtuous’ actions, we judge ourselves harshly. We may project this guilt outward onto others who have done similar things, as a way of trying to absolve ourselves of the guilt. Instead, we can practice compassion and forgiveness towards ourselves for the past, and try to see the one we judge with a bit of understanding and compassion for the error of their ways.

The next time you feel the tendency to judge ‘them’ as bad or wrong – because of that righteous streak in you – step back into Upeksha. Find a place of even-mindedness, where you are undisturbed within and can perceive clearly the appropriate response. Seek your inner balance of equanimity, viewing life from a higher point of view – that we are all on a path of learning, have all made mistakes, and we all need guidance and understanding.