“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
It has been said that wisdom is a balance between awareness and equanimity.: Equanimity, definition: noun – calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.
The two wings of a bird hold the balance that is needed for flight and to catch the up-currents on the wing for it to fly with equanimity.
We can acquire such a balance through our daily practices:
- Radical acceptance of ‘what is’, without judgement.
- Practising gratitude
- Self-compassion
- Intentionally experiencing the present moment, rather than listening to the narrative running constantly in our heads
- Slowing down and savouring the moment, ‘tuning in’ to present awareness “Emergent Living”
These principals are also encapsulated in the acronym, CLOAK; curious, loving, open accepting and kind. This is a very simple way to remember the keys to contentment and a path towards peace.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back”
Albert Camus
“May I find the serenity to accept the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking this imperfect world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting in my refuges, May I be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy forever some-day”
Adapted from the Serenity Prayer, by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
