Equanimity
Equanimity- Evenness of mind especially under stress(Webster's dictionary).
Root words are: aequus=balanced and animus=spirit.
In Hinduism, equanimity is described as balance and centeredness through all possible changes and circumstances.
In my 20's and 30's the concept of equanimity seemed boring, dispassionate, too neutral. Lately, I have come to really appreciate the practice of equanimity because it helps to anchor me in the midst of stress or chaos. I feel a sense of liberation from the turbulence of my thoughts/feelings when I experience equanimity.
My meditation teacher, Shinzen Young, explains that equanimity is the balance between suppressing thoughts/feelings or fixating on them. Equanimity is not escaping, reacting or identifying but greeting with loving acceptance whatever is happening in the moment.
I am not saying the practice of equanimity is easy, especially when a storm is raging within us or in our environment. Like any other skill, equanimity takes practice. The idea is to try to maintain a relaxed state in your mind and body as all sensations, pleasant or unpleasant naturally arise and flow through. There are infinite opportunities for practice in any given day. It's a little easier to allow pleasant sensations to flow, however, there is also a tendency to want to cling to a positive experience. Negative thoughts/feelings can be difficult to let pass, but, the good news is, they will, if you don't attach attention to them.
Once again, I am humbled by life's challenge to live from a place of loving acceptance toward myself and others. I will say, the more I practice equanimity, the more I feel as if I am carving out an internal oasis. At first, it seemed like my thoughts/feelings could run rampant and out of control and I didn't know where to turn. Now, when I feel the inner agitation mounting, I find my little oasis. I think it's somewhere in my inner Caribbean.
* For more info. about equanimity and basic mindfulness meditation practice click here. November yoga classes will include mindfulness meditation to prepare us for the craziness of December. I know you will want to retreat to your inner oasis at some point!
Love,
Indy
Awesome Shoulder Stretch 
You can do this stretch against a wall or in a door frame. Stand with the side of your body facing the wall or door frame. Reach your arm back, parallel to the floor, palm facing wall. Feel the stretch in the front of your shoulder(pectoralis muscle). If you want more intensity, carefully turn your torso away from the wall. After a few breaths, move your arm up the wall or door frame a bit for a different angle. Do it now. Experiment. This is an awesome stretch! This stretch counteracts the chronic forward shoulder roll.
