Hello and welcome. This week we explore the fourth face of love—equanimity. Equanimity is the state of mental calmness and evenness of temper in which the mind is steady and balanced and judging is absent. It is a state that allows us to take in the whole picture of a situation without coloring it and reacting to it, and to be fully aware in the moment. With equanimity our minds are even and imperturbable while at the same time fully engaged with the circumstances of a situation and aware of the present moment. The path to equanimity is to recognize when the mind is unsteady and out of balance— when it is grasping, pulling, pushing or turning away. To recognize when  judging is present and the mind feels chaotic—bouncing here and there.Recognizing the obstacles in our mind blocking equanimity, gives us a starting point to reach understanding and insight so we can let go and simply be with what’s here with clear and steady mind. We may notice that the strength of our equanimity comes and goes. This is understandable. As we practice, with attention and concentration, equanimity becomes stronger and stronger.Start with mindfulness of the breath. It may feel that you can’t pay attention to the breath and this is OK. Noticing this is the first step. Then settle into simply saying “in” on the in-breath and “out” on the out-breath and keep doing it. Or, count each breath (1,2,3…) and when you lose count begin again with “1.” You may begin to judge yourself saying things like, “I can’t do this.” This is OK. Just notice when you are judging and make a soft mental note saying inwardly  “judging” and then return your attention to the breath. This is the practice. Start where you are and return your attention when you lose your place. After awhile you will notice the qualities of equanimity beginning to appear—calmness, evenness, and non-judgment. This week strengthen your equanimity through your mindfulness of breath practice and by repeating a phrase during the day when you feel your mind going sideways. There are many phrases. Here are some.May I see things just as they are and not how I want them to be.May I remain peaceful as the storm rages around me.May I generate the inner resources to help where needed.May I see my limits with clear eyes just as I see the limits of others.This week's guided meditation on Equanimity may be found here on the podcast’s member page or paste  www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;Bill Rafferty for technical web support; Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and Margaret Haas for announcing the showBe well. Be mindful.SUPPORT THE PODCASTWe need you! Please follow or subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife to sign up and to access the weekly guided meditations.DISCLAIMERThe content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. Support the show Thank you for listening!Be well. Be mindful.

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