Achieving Equanimity: How to Find Balance in Life

Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Achieving Equanimity: How to Find Balance in LifeAchieving Equanimity: How to Find Balance in Life
Key Takeaways

In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of balance in life. Whether it's work and personal obligations or managing stress and emotions, finding a state of equilibrium can feel like an ongoing battle. However, achieving equanimity - the art of maintaining an evenness of mind and emotional wellbeing in all situations - is a powerful tool that can help us navigate life's challenges with grace and inner peace.

How are you feeling?
Search below to see if we have a meditation or wellness track for whatever you’re feeling. Just enter your mood and take our short quiz.
Topics
Angry
Fearful
Abundance
Grateful
Tired
Restless
Motivated
Great
Okay
Acceptance and Commitment
Affirmations
Anger
Astrology
Attachments
Balance Emotions
Bedtime
Bible Story
Bible Talks
Binaural
Body Acceptance
Body Scan
Burnout
Calm
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Couples Sex Issues
Courage
Depression
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Discipline
Diversity
Divorce
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
Energy Healing
Equity and Inclusion
Fear
Food Freedom
Gratitude
Grief
Grounding
Positivity & Happiness
Recovery & Healing
Health
Health Coaching
Hope
Hypnosis
Infidelity
Insomnia
Intimacy
Kids
Law Of Attraction
Leadership
Letting Go
Lgbtq
Life Advice
Life Coaching
Anxiety
Confidence & Self-esteem
Motivation & Passion
Relationships
Life Coaching Sleep
Stress
Personal Growth & Success
Transition
Life Lessons
Loss
Love
Loving Kindness
Manifesting
Marriage
Meaning
Meditation Story
Meditative
Learn Mindfulness
Mindset
Moticational
Motivation
Delightful
Dreamy
Energetic
Focus
Epic
Ethereal
Fun
Gloomy
Happy
Heart Warming
Hopeful
Inspiring
Joyful
Melancholic
Mellow
Optimistic
Playful
Powerful
Reflective
Relaxation
Relaxing
Sad
Serene
Sleep
Soaring
Somber
Soothing
Tranquil
Upbeat
Uplifting
Nature Sounds
Nutrition
Pain
Parenting
Peace
Performance
Personal Growth
Pleasure
Positive Emotions
Positive Psychology
Positivity
Prayer
Pregnancy
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reiki
Relax
Release Negativity
Remote Work
Resilience
Self Acceptance
Self Awareness
Self Care
Self Esteem
Self Regulation
Confidence & Self-Love
Sexuality
Restful Sleep
Smoking
Sobriety
Social Skills
Solfeggio
Somatics
Sound Bath
Spirit Guides
Spirituality
Story
Strengths
Reduce Stress
Substance Use
Success
Tapping
Throat Chakra
Tough Conversations
Transformational
Uncertainty
Visualization
Weight Loss
Work
Work Languages
Work Values
Workplace Wellness
Yoga & Movement
Yoga Nidra
Zen
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Patient
Peaceful
Present
Relaxed
Trusting
Agitated
Aggravated
Bitter
Contempt
Cynical
Disdain
Disgruntled
Disturbed
Edgy
Exasperated
Frustrated
Furious
Grouchy
Hostile
Impatient
Irritated
Irate
Moody
On edge
Outraged
Pissed
Resentful
Upset
Vindictive
Amazed
Awe
Bliss
Delighted
Eager
Ecstatic
Enchanted
Energized
Engaged
Enthusiastic
Excited
Free
Inspired
Invigorated
Lively
Passionate
Radiant
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Renewed
Satisfied
Thrilled
Vibrant
Adventurous
Brave
Capable
Confident
Daring
Determined
Grounded
Proud
Strong
Worthy
Valiant
Accepting
Affectionate
Caring
Safe
Warm
Curious
Exploring
Fascinated
Interested
Intrigued
Involved
Stimulated
Anguish
Depressed
Despondent
Disappointed
Discouraged
Forlorn
Heartbroken
Hopeless
Lonely
Longing
Melancholy
Sorrow
Teary
Unhappy
Weary
Yearning
Aloof
Bored
Confused
Distant
Empty
Indifferent
Isolated
Lethargic
Listless
Removed
Resistant
Shut Down
Uneasy
Withdrawn
Ashamed
Humiliated
Inhibited
Mortified
Self - conscious
Useless
Weak
Worthless
Afraid
Anxious
Apprehensive
Frightened
Hesitant
Nervous
Panic
Paralyzed
Scared
Terrified
Worried
Helpless
Sensitive
Appreciative
Blessed
Fortunate
Grace
Humbled
Lucky
Moved
Thankful
Touched
Regret
Remorseful
Sorry
Encouraged
Expectant
Impotent
Incapable
Resigned
Trapped
Victim
Loving
Self - loving
Vulnerable
Burned out
Cranky
Depleted
Exhausted
Frazzled
Overwhelm
Rattled
Rejecting
Shaken
Tight
Worn out
Concerned
Dissatisfied
Perplexed
Questioning
Reluctant
Shocked
Skeptical
Suspicious
Ungrounded
Unsure
Achy
Airy
Blocked
Breathless
Bruised
Burning
Buzzy
Clammy
Clenched
Cold
Constricted
Contained
Contracted
Dizzy
Drained
Dull
Electric
Expanded
Flowing
Fluid
Fluttery
Frozen
Full
Gentle
Hard
Heavy
Hollow
Hot
Icy
Itchy
Jumpy
Knotted
Light
Loose
Nauseous
Numb
Pounding
Prickly
Pulsing
Queasy
Radiating
Releasing
Rigid
Settled
Shaky
Shivery
Slow
Smooth
Soft
Sore
Spacey
Spacious
Sparkly
Stiff
Still
Suffocated
Sweaty
Tender
Tense
Throbbing
Tingling
Trembly
Twitchy
Vibrating
Wobbly
Wooden
Topics
Sleep
Topics
Anxiety
Content type
Affirmations
ASMR
Breathwork
Diversity and Inclusion
Emotional Intelligence
Energy Healing
Health Coaching
Hypnosis
Life Coaching
Masterclass
Mindfulness
Motivation
Music
Personal Story
Podcast
Poem
Positive Psychology
Prayer
Intimacy & Relationships
Healing Sound
Soundscape
Spirituality
Story
CBT
Work Wellness
Track length
< 5 min
5-10 min
10-20 min
20-45 min
45+ min
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1000+
Tracks for you based on your preferences
Get unlimited access to 20,000+ meditations, sleep, and wellness tracks on Aura
Whats included
Fall asleep faster, reduce stress and anxiety, and find peace every day
Exclusive content from top mindfulness experts, psychologists, and therapists
Join live sessions & connect with the community
New content added every week
Lets personalize your experience

Understanding Equanimity

Before we dive into how to achieve equanimity, let's first define what it is. Equanimity, also known as emotional balance or mental calmness, is the ability to remain calm and composed when faced with difficult situations. It is not about suppressing emotions or becoming indifferent but rather about maintaining a level-headed perspective.

Defining Equanimity

Equanimity is considered a positive trait across different cultures and religions. In Buddhism, it is one of the Four Brahma Viharas or "divine abodes" and is associated with loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. In Stoicism, it is considered a virtue that helps individuals cultivate emotional resilience and rational thinking. Equanimity is also a key concept in Hinduism, where it is seen as a state of mind that is achieved through meditation and detachment.

Equanimity is not just a spiritual concept, but it is also a valuable skill in everyday life. It allows us to navigate challenging situations with grace and composure, making it easier to communicate effectively and make sound decisions. In essence, equanimity is a state of mind that allows us to respond to life's challenges with wisdom and compassion.

The Importance of Balance in Life

Having a sense of balance in life is crucial for our overall well-being. When we are out of balance, it can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Maintaining balance allows us to focus on what truly matters, prioritize self-care, and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.

One way to achieve balance is by incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By being mindful, we can become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and learn to respond to them in a healthy and constructive way. This can help us achieve a sense of balance and equanimity in our lives.

Equanimity in Eastern and Western Philosophies

While equanimity has roots in Eastern philosophy, it is also prevalent in Western philosophies. In Stoicism, for example, equanimity is achieved by cultivating a rational outlook, accepting things outside of our control, and focusing on our own actions and virtues. Regardless of ideology, the fundamental principles of equanimity remain the same: developing a calm and composed mind, valuing peace and tranquillity, and embracing the present moment.

Equanimity can also be seen as a form of emotional intelligence. By developing this skill, we can learn to regulate our emotions and respond to difficult situations in a way that is productive and constructive. This can lead to greater success and fulfillment in all areas of our lives.

In conclusion, equanimity is a valuable skill that can help us navigate life's challenges with grace and composure. By cultivating a calm and composed mind, valuing peace and tranquillity, and embracing the present moment, we can achieve a sense of balance and equanimity in our lives. Whether we look to Eastern or Western philosophies, the principles of equanimity are universal and can be applied to our daily lives to help us achieve greater success and fulfillment.

The Role of Mindfulness in Achieving Equanimity

Mindfulness - the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment - is an effective tool for achieving equanimity. By becoming more mindful, we can cultivate awareness of our thoughts and emotions, observe them without judgment, and respond in a more constructive way.

Equanimity is a state of mental calmness and composure, even in difficult situations. It is the ability to remain balanced and centered, regardless of external circumstances. Achieving equanimity can be challenging, especially in today's fast-paced and unpredictable world. However, mindfulness can help us develop the inner resources we need to stay grounded and resilient.

Mindfulness Techniques for Cultivating Balance

There are many ways to practice mindfulness and cultivate equanimity. One well-known technique is mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the breath and observing thoughts as they arise and pass. This practice can help us become more aware of our mental and emotional patterns, and learn to respond to them in a more skillful way.

In addition to formal meditation, there are many other mindfulness techniques that can help us cultivate balance and equanimity. For example, mindful breathing involves paying attention to the sensations of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. Body scans involve systematically bringing awareness to different parts of the body, and noticing any sensations that arise. Walking meditation involves moving mindfully, paying attention to the sensations of the feet touching the ground.

By making mindfulness a daily practice, we can develop greater emotional awareness, reduce stress, and increase our overall sense of well-being. We can also cultivate the inner resources we need to stay balanced and centered, even in challenging situations.

The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation has many benefits, both for our mental and physical health. One of the primary benefits is improved attention and concentration. By training our minds to focus on the present moment, we can become more attentive and less distracted.

Mindfulness meditation has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. By learning to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, we can create a sense of space and perspective around them. This can help us respond to difficult situations in a more calm and centered way.

Furthermore, mindfulness meditation has been linked to increased emotional regulation. This means that we can become better at managing our emotions, and responding to them in a more skillful way. This can lead to more positive relationships with others, as well as a greater sense of well-being.

Finally, mindfulness meditation has been linked to a host of physical health benefits. For example, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function. This suggests that mindfulness can have a positive impact on our overall health and well-being.

Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life

While formal meditation practice is an essential part of developing mindfulness, it's also important to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives. This means paying closer attention to our daily routines, and bringing mindfulness to our interactions with others.

For example, we can practice mindful communication by really listening to what others are saying, and responding in a thoughtful and compassionate way. We can also practice being more present in our interactions with others, by putting away distractions and really focusing on the person in front of us.

By making mindfulness a habit, we can transform how we engage with the world around us. We can become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and learn to respond to them in a more skillful way. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and equanimity, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

One of the biggest challenges to achieving equanimity is finding balance between our work and personal lives. It can be tempting to prioritize work above all else, but doing so can lead to burnout and strain our personal relationships. By finding a healthy balance, we can achieve greater overall satisfaction and well-being.

aura_ring
Is Aura right for you?Take our quiz to find out.

Setting Boundaries Between Work and Home

One way to balance work and personal life is by setting clear boundaries. This means creating a clear separation between work and home life, which can include setting specific work hours, turning off work notifications outside of those hours, and delegating tasks when appropriate. By creating boundaries, we can cultivate a greater sense of control over our time and energy, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Growth

Another important aspect of achieving balance is prioritizing self-care and personal growth. This can include regular exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and taking time for rest and relaxation. When we prioritize our own well-being, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that life throws our way.

Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout

Finally, it's important to manage stress and prevent burnout to achieve balance. This means taking breaks when needed, practicing relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation), and reframing negative thoughts and emotions. By developing healthy coping mechanisms, we can achieve greater emotional resilience, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Fostering Emotional Resilience

Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and remain optimistic in the face of challenges. By developing emotional resilience, we can maintain equanimity in even the most challenging situations.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence - the ability to understand and manage our own emotions and those of others - is a key component of emotional resilience. By being aware of our emotions and how they impact our thoughts and behaviors, we can develop greater control over our responses to challenging situations.

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Healthy coping mechanisms are essential for developing emotional resilience. This might include talking to a friend or therapist, engaging in creative or physical activities, or practicing mindfulness meditation. By finding healthy ways to cope with stress and adversity, we can develop greater emotional strength and inner peace.

Building a Supportive Social Network

Finally, building a supportive social network is an essential part of developing emotional resilience. Having strong relationships with others can provide a sense of comfort, support, and encouragement when we are facing challenges. By cultivating positive relationships and seeking out supportive communities, we can cultivate greater emotional resilience and achieve greater overall well-being.

Conclusion

Achieving equanimity - the art of maintaining an evenness of mind and emotional wellbeing in all situations - is an essential tool for navigating life's challenges with grace and inner peace. By cultivating mindfulness, balancing work and personal life, and fostering emotional resilience, we can achieve a greater sense of balance and well-being. So take the time to invest in yourself, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a supportive social network. With dedication and practice, you can achieve equanimity and find true balance in life.

Aura is Your All In One App for Meditation, Mindfulness Wellbeing

 Find peace every day with one app for your whole well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental well-being. Aura is the first all-in-one wellness app that learns how to best help you. Discover an endless library of expert-created tracks for your well-being, all taught by the world’s best coaches, therapists, and storytellers. With Aura's personalized recommendations, you can find peace every morning, day and night.

No items found.

Aura Health Team

Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.

July 1, 2023
Meditation
Stories

The best sleep of your life is just the start

From meditations to stories to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), find everything you need for your wellbeing in one app.

Most popular in Meditation
Most popular in Story
Most popular in Hypnosis
Most popular in Coaching
Most popular in Therapy
Most popular in Prayer
Most popular in ASMR
Most popular in Health coaching
Most popular in Breathwork
Most popular in Work Wellness
Most popular in Music
Most popular in Sounds
Preview
0:00
0:00
No items found.
What Is Meditation? A Definition and Explanation
July 1, 2023

What Is Meditation? A Definition and Explanation

Discover the true essence of meditation with this comprehensive article.

Read More
Unlock the Benefits of Solfeggio Frequencies Music
July 1, 2023

Unlock the Benefits of Solfeggio Frequencies Music

Discover the incredible benefits of Solfeggio Frequencies Music and how it can enhance your well-being.

Read More
Your Soul Contract is Full of Possibilities
July 1, 2023

Your Soul Contract is Full of Possibilities

Discover the incredible potential within your soul contract and learn how to unlock its power.

Read More
1919 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know
February 7, 2024

1919 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know

Discover the fascinating meaning behind the 1919 angel number and unravel why you keep seeing it everywhere.

Read More
Shadow Work Meditation: Exploring Inner Healing
November 24, 2023

Shadow Work Meditation: Exploring Inner Healing

Delve into the transformative practice of shadow work meditation as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner healing.

Read More
Secular Meditation: Practices for All Beliefs and Backgrounds
November 24, 2023

Secular Meditation: Practices for All Beliefs and Backgrounds

Discover how secular meditation can be practiced by individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds.

Read More
3939 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know
February 8, 2024

3939 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know

Discover the fascinating meaning behind the 3939 angel number and uncover why you keep seeing it everywhere.

Read More
Libra Man and Cancer Woman Compatibility Insights
January 24, 2024

Libra Man and Cancer Woman Compatibility Insights

Curious about the compatibility between a Libra man and a Cancer woman? Discover the insights and dynamics of this intriguing astrological match in our comprehensive article.

Read More
What Is an Aura Test?
July 1, 2023

What Is an Aura Test?

Discover what an aura test is and how it can provide insights into your energy and emotions.

Read More

Stay Updated: Get the latest from Aura's Mindfulness Blog

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.