What interests me about equanimity and kenosis is that while they are largely associated with spirituality, it seems they have a basis in or a correlation to the physical forces found in the universe. I sense a correlation between equanimity with gravity and kenosis with the constructive and deconstructive forces within the universe. I have talked about kenotic activity expressed in Christian literature where kenosis is talked about in terms of Jesus emptying himself of his divine nature in order to fully participate in our salvation as one of us. In past posts, I have also associated kenosis with the creativity of God; of God expending self to expand self or, in other words, the creative forces of the universe expending energy in order to expand itself.
What I have not talked much about is equanimity. In retrospect, I believe I have implied it when defining the meaning of peace as the absence of that which disturbs and disrupts. In terms of the physical forces in the universe, I would equate equanimity with gravity. Scientifically, gravity is considered a weak force that keeps our solar systems and other systems in relative balance as the universe continues to expand, the result of a kenotic force which expends its unlimited energy in order to expand the universe.
In ancient times, astrology provided a direct connection between human activity and the movements of the stars and planets, between time and space as it were. In European culture, prior to Copernicus, Galileo, and Bruno, astrology was used a way to discern God's divine will. Kings, bishops, and popes had their astrologers with the emergence of astronomy which began as a offshoot of astrology, the Renaissance, and the Reformation there was a disconnect between us and the forces of nature. While I don't personally use astrology to help plot my life course, I believe that what happens in the universe both far and near has an effect on our lives the same way the gravitational pull of the moon causes ocean tides and changes in atmospheric pressure can effect one's moods.
Life on this planet is a direct result of the forces found throughout our universe. Our awareness of these forces is the direct result of being a product of them. As a result we can deduce, at the very least, an intelligent universe to the extent that we are intelligent, just as life on this planet suggests life on other planets.
It is no wonder then that our sense of equanimity and kenosis proceeds from experiencing the forces at work in the universe. As such, when it comes to equanimity and its correlation to gravity, equanimity might be considered a weak force that lightly holds our experiences and perceptions in balance. An essential part of meditation also involves kenosis, letting go of that which can disturb and disrupt in order to expand one's sense of interconnection to the ALL.
Equanimity and kenosis form a paradox; in that, while equanimity holds in balance, kenosis releases in order to expand. There are many approaches to contemplation and meditation. If the goal of such activities are to gain inner peace by attaining equanimity, then one must engage in a process of emptying oneself of thought by consciously attempting to silence and slow one's stream of thoughts by examining them and letting their influence on one's perception go in order to expand one's sense of equanimity thus lessening one's anxiety and preoccupation with the particular.
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Given the tenuous times we are no living in today, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the particulars that disrupts and disturbs one's sense of inner peace. The divisiveness caused by ideological certitude and the fear of the opinionated other has created a situation that can easily erupt in violence and war. Getting caught up in the particulars is easy to do, as we are daily exposed to what feels unbalanced and unnecessary; the disruption of people's lives and the disturbing rhetoric that assigns blame without justification. There is much to be concerned about and it can take a toll on a person's mental and physical health. The sense of urgency to do something about what one perceives as the causes of the times we find ourselves in adds the dimension of frustration regarding what one can or should do.
The bellicose language by the strongly opinionated to "fight" the identified causes of that which is perceived as disrupting and disturbing us is more than hyperbole; especially, when people are left to their own designs on how to do that without resorting to violent rhetoric or actions. Personally, I can feel the tug to engage in such rhetoric and feel appalled when I succumb to using it, hence the need to write this post to remind myself of the futility of doing so as it only results in my becoming more anxious and frustrated. I cannot speak for others what works for them, but I know that I feel compelled to step back and seek equanimity through kenosis, to embrace my infinitely small place in the universe and recognize that such times are the merest blip that will pass while seeking to embrace the ALL. At this time, the best I can do is not add to this ages disruptive and disturbing particulars.
Norm