Dr. Rick Hanson (author of The Buddha's Brain) at Spirit Rock
Equanimity means not reacting to your reactions. That's both a wonderful relief from upsets and traumas and a profound resource for spiritual growth. In Buddhism, equanimity is one of the four Brahma Viharas ("Divine Abodes"). It is often considered the foundation of the three others: loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. Equanimity breaks the chain of suffering by helping one not react to the pleasant or unpleasant feeling tone of experience with craving and clinging, respectively.
Equanimity means not reacting to your reactions. That's both a wonderful relief from upsets and traumas and a profound resource for spiritual growth. In Buddhism, equanimity is one of the four Brahma Viharas ("Divine Abodes"). It is often considered the foundation of the three others: loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. Equanimity breaks the chain of suffering by helping one not react to the pleasant or unpleasant feeling tone of experience with craving and clinging, respectively.
Your equanimity, a state of mind, is based on underlying states of your brain. Modern neuroscience is revealing new ways to cultivate those brain states -- a potent combination with time-tested Buddhist practices. This experiential workshop led by a psychologist and a neurologist will offer user-friendly information with lots of practical methods useful for both self-guided practice and in therapeutic settings. It will cover:
- The Buddha’s teachings on equanimity
- The neurological machinery of emotional reactivity
- How equanimity works in your brain to prevent, cool, and heal destructive emotions
- Strengthening "top-down," frontal lobe influences through Wise View and other elements of the Noble Eightfold Path
- Training "bottom-up," limbic system reactions to be less fearful and angry and more peaceful, connecting, and constructive
- "Neurodharma" perspectives on healing from trauma.
There will be time for questions and discussion. No background with meditation or neuroscience is needed. Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this daylong at a rate of $25. Online Bulletin Board for Ride Sharing.
- Saturday, May 29, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm in Community Meditation Hall. Cost $50 - $80, sliding scale, plus dana (donation) to the teacher(s), code RR2D10. Add $5 at the door. Bring your lunch. CE credit available - see below. Online Registration Open - Click here to register. Online Registration for this event is available until 12 noon one business day before the event. Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 6 CE credits available for MFTs, LCSWs, psychologists, and nurses from SRMC-SCRC for $30. Prepayment available on website. For more information, see Continuing Education (CE) Credit.
