What is Equanimity and How Can It Be Supported?
Piotr Piasecki and Bryce Scottron, doctoral psychology externs at our Personal Counseling Center, recently provided me with some thoughtful suggestions to pass along to families to assist your students as the pressure of mid-semester draws near.
During these uncertain times, I think we could all use a little extra help. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for that daily dose of mental calmness and to be more open to what arises in my mind and heart.
Jackie
Equanimity is defined as an even-mindedness and balance, where you are in a state of being calm and composed, especially in times of conflict. It is having the capacity to monitor your immediate judgement or reaction towards others and taking a mindful moment to pause, notice, and reflect.
- It is the willingness to have big open arms to every moment and being able to stay present without losing a sense of mental clarity. Encourage your student to accept things as they are in the moment, allowing them to take an objective step back and look at what they can do to take care of themselves. For example, your student may be taking their first midterm exam at the college level. Tell them not to perseverate over the grade but look more at their process and what is going on around them. Validate that it will be harder than high school and they will learn what works best for them.
- With so much media stimulation going on, whether it’s the TV or social media, it can feel emotionally overwhelming and be unhealthy to constantly be viewing and listening to these outlets. Invite your student to disconnect in order to connect. There are more than 100 different interest clubs on campus and a host of activities on and off campus happening regularly.
- It requires taking the time to notice how one is feeling or reacting in a particular situation or hearing some news, then reflecting on it to create some space for yourself in order to respond to the situation. Inspire your student to be present so they can respond to situations as they arise, rather than reacting. For example, living with a roommate who has norms different than you, sometimes can conflict with your own. Help your student learn how to compromise and be open to new ways of living.
- The essence of equanimity is acceptance and curiosity. Your goal is to shift your mind to be less reactive and attached to situations. Recommend your student be curious how they are feeling in each moment and accepting these moments as impermanent. Cultivating a sense of compassion toward themselves and others goes hand in hand with nonjudgement. Remind your student of how far they have come already, and that each year brings new challenges and obstacles, and that they will manage them just as they did their previous obstacles.
- Equanimity is about opening your heart, while indifference is about closing your heart. Advocate for your student to be open to new experiences and people.
- Your student may benefit from checking out the free and anonymous online assessments on various mental health and wellness topics on the Personal Counseling Center website: https://personal-counseling.providence.edu/resources/self-assessment/. They might consider making an appointment with a counselor if cumulative stress has been impacting their functioning.
