KarunaNews Story

In this compelling piece, author Margaret Cullen makes a somewhat radical suggestion. The world, she says, does not need more anger, contempt or zealotry. Instead, she posits that what we need is more equanimity. Equanimity, when rightly understood, is not passivity, but rather resistance. It is a deeper type of resistance, one that refuses to be hijacked by the very forces it seeks to oppose. She asks the question, “What kind of person says calm in the face of injustice?” Apparently, it is someone who sticks to their values and who views equanimity as an assertion of dignity. It is someone who quietly refuses to be swept up in the emotional hyper-reactivity that so often masquerades as moral clarity. The person is not indifferent—they possess passion that is tempered with wisdom. They maintain their perspective. Cullen challenges us, “When the fires rise, and the outrage surges, ask yourself this: ‘Can I stick to my values without succumbing to the dopamine rush of indignation? Can I stay awake and engaged—without becoming what I oppose?’” She goes on to say, “Peace is fertile ground for perspective and clarity to grow. Toss in some honest self-reflection and an intention for greater integrity, and you can harness the energy of outrage toward creative solutions and effective engagement.”