Page 80 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

f r o m ca ra t Iv e f a c to r 1 t o C a r it a s P roC e s s 1
and profound experiences for the practitioner and his or her work in
the world. Thus, this practice leads to transformation of self at a deep
level; transformation of practitioners is necessary before the systems
can be transformed.

equanimity
Some are unfamiliar with the word “equanimity.” It is derived
from a Latin word and refers to an inner state of balance, an inter-
nal sense of balanced spirit. It is a process of noninterference with
what IS. There is no freezing or fixing or congealing of the awareness,
just observing and letting it be, allowing self to be in harmony with
the natural flow of a subjective state (Young personal communication,
2006).

equanimity with unpleasant sensations
When one is able (through meditative-mindfulness practices) to
intentionally create equanimity in body or mind toward its subjective
sensations, allowing whatever is there to be observed without interfer-
ence, then there is natural flow of the process. For example, if there
is pain or discomfort, worry or fear, the sensations flow more easily
as you observe them without interference, without judging them. It
is almost as if you have mercy toward both them and yourself. In this
process, you begin to understand more than intellectually that all sen-
sations are energetically expanding and contracting, but you actually
experience the flow and movement. When one is distressed or suffer-
ing, the practice of equanimity lessens the suffering, decreasing the
discomfort in body or mind.

equanimity with Pleasant sensations
Likewise, when you apply equanimity to pleasant sensations with-
out interfering, they too flow more readily and easily and offer deeper
fulfillment. Together, then, equanimity works to both lessen suffering
and increase pleasure by the simple practice of mindfulness, applying
loving-kindness to self and the process.
Without the practice of Equanimity, one cannot fully access the
intrinsic wellspring of loving-kindness for Caritas Consciousness.

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