With the holiday season can also come dukkha. The natural world begins to slow down and hibernate and we speed up with travel, parties and plans; with multiple obligations and observances. One can easily become overloaded and stressed. What a perfect time to practice equanimity.

The Pali word upekkha, usually translated as equanimity, refers to the balancing of energy.  Equanimity is developed as we learn to keep our heart open through the changing circumstances of our life and our practice. It is that state of mind which is in the center, inclining neither to one extreme nor to the other. But Equanimity is not indifference or apathy.  Under its influence, one simply does not push aside the things one dislikes or grasp at things one prefers. Equanimity is the power of mind to experience the changes in the realm of form, the realm of feeling, the realm of mind, yet remain centered and unmoved.

If you find this season overwhelming or challenging, try balancing energy with this practice.