Equanimity is one of the more challenging concepts for many people to wrap their heads around because it means being okay with whatever seems good and/or bad.
Our common culture values are to celebrate whatever is perceived as “good;” yet in Islam, we are advised to even thank Allah and be grateful for what may seem “bad.”
“How wonderful is the situation of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this is not the case with anyone except a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” [Imam Muslim]
How can “Bad” be “Good”?
For instance, missing a flight would generally be interpreted as a bad event; but should the flight had experienced a bad amount of turbulence or worse, the stranded traveler would have been spared the strain and then this could be perceived as something good.
Likewise, if a passenger or train caused you to be late to a meeting, but you missed having a potential car accident at a busy intersection en route, then this could be interpreted as a mercy.
“Hoping for good is also an act of worship of Allah.” [Tirmidhi and Hakim]
Gratitude for silver linings
By now, although our lives have been disrupted by COVID, and possibly some dire suffering has been the result, a mindfulness practice with an Islamic perspective can even out the emotional impact to realize that there are silver linings too.
“And bear with patience whatever befalls you.” [31:17]
What about feelings and emotions?
This is not to imply that emotions and equanimity are not mutually exclusive. As Allah has gifted us with emotions, and they deserve due processing, it is our faith to accept, to submit, to the Will of Allah, the Qadr of Allah.
This is the source of our adaptability and strength. We are reminded that “Allah is the best of planners” [8:30], and that is greater than we may be able to perceive; therefore, we trust Allah.
Resistance and resentment sap our energy. Just rolling with the given can be very liberating. This is a benefit of equanimity. Visualizing oneself like a drop of water within a cool stream, just riding the surface over life’s proverbial pebbles and obstructions is truly helpful.
Finding the “good” in things
One of the greatest silver linings has been the increased time with families, and our work with Salam Family has provided feedback that our guided practices are valued. Requests for even more kid-friendly content has caught our attention.
In reply, the Salam Family team will be offering a virtual kids’ camp and has provided another Free month for June of access to our programming, which kicks back into gear June 8th.
Go to https://define360.online/salamfamily Use Promo Code SALAMEIDGIFT