Equinimity

If all the world’s a stage, identity is nothing but a costume

We all live in a world of facade. Because of expectations. If you thought technology and social media have brought about the expectation economy, think about how people close to you have always kept you expecting more. The “expectation economy” was present long before technology and social media…because we always expect from people.

I guess we are all flawed in that we expect things. We’re not happy with what we have, and always want more. Because of this, we often forget to appreciate the present, and brood about the past, and anticipate about the future. The Bhagvad Gita talks about equinimity:

Samatvam is equanimity of mind and outlook, equipoise. It is being able to keep the mind steady and balanced in all the conditions of life. It is the ability to be forever serene, contented, calm and peaceful. Samatvam is having the ability to remain cheerful in adverse conditions, to have fortitude in meeting danger, and to have the presence of mind and forbearance to bear insult, injury and persecution. Samatvam means being able to go through the routine of life, amidst the din and clamour of the world, patiently and joyfully.

We should be able to handle both good and bad situations in the same way, only then can we achieve some sort of balance in life and let go of having expectations. Unfortunately, the constant development of technology shall only hold us back and reinforce our expectations of people and things.

Letting go is one of the most difficult things to do. “Move on” or “get over it” is easier said than done. Accepting things, whether good or bad, in the same manner is easier said than done. Because they come in different levels of extremities. And there’s always two sides to a story – what may be bad for you, may not be that much of a bad thing for someone else. It’s all about perception.