Viewing from space

 

The Sanskrit word for equanimity is 'Upekkha' . The word's literal meaning is 'looking down' or having a bird eye view. It thus implies that having a wider perspective of things will result in a more balanced view and being less affected by emotions, like observing at a distance.

It is not surprising then that Astronauts have expressed a shift in awareness when viewing earth from space. As astronaut Buzz Aldrin described it, "It's the uncanny sense of understanding the "big picture.." Space philosopher, Frank White calls it "the overview effect". From talking with astronauts he found out that their experience of viewing earth from space "have strengthened their resilience when facing problems and existential challenges back on earth".

In a state of equanimity there is space, quiet and connectedness. When we experience emotional turmoil we need to give ourselves space. Someone uses the analogy of giving a wild horse space to run. Giving space to ourselves is to acknowledge our emotions and being aware of their impact on body sensations. We expand the space further by taking in our surroundings and the outside world. Embracing nature is a good way to calm ourselves and see the bigger picture behind any problem. Looking at planet earth inhabited by trillions of living things from space will most certainly transcend one's self preoccupation to a higher perspective beyond self.

So next time when you are emotionally charged over some issues imagine yourself in space looking down on a tiny speck of you on planet earth. It will help you zoom out of an exaggerated view of your personal problems and gain broader perspective of the situation. That is detaching from yourself at a far far distance with a sense of perspective.

You will achieve a semblance of Upekkha.