Equanimity.

What can we learn from Buddhism without being Buddhist? How can you apply it to everyday life...better performance throughout the day, better well-being. I thought it was interesting to read about.

A performance company, Tignum AC, which provides psychology training, team-building, and performance coaching for top athletes, elite military, corporations, and organizations around the country uses the idea of equanimity in their teachings to relay the importance of a positive mindset.

So what is equanimity? Buddhist monks believe that when something happens to you or when you encounter an event or challenge you have four options:

1. You could be unaware that anything has happened in which case you would surely not be able to do anything.
2. You could be aware of what was happening and move away from the challenge (retreat).
3. You could be aware of what was happening and move towards the challenge (attack).
4. You could be aware of what was happening and be non-reactive (equanimity—no reaction by choice).

By far, the most enlightened and powerful response is to be aware of the event or challenge and yet to not react. From this position, you are detached enough to enhance your awareness while increasing your options—because you see them all as possible. This position of chosen neutrality is extremely powerful, since you can never be a victim or a hostage. Instead, you become calm, confident, efficient, and composed. You become the master of your own destiny.

Pretty cool stuff.

--Tignum AC--