Various Pathways for Cultivation of Equanimity: an Exploratory Study

Equanimity has been a highly valued spiritual goal in Buddhism, in the scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita and in Yoga traditions. Equanimity is a state of even-mindedness towards all experiences, regardless of their affective valence. The cultivation of equanimity may transform our perceptual-cognitive–emotional systems to widen our perspective on experience, increase distress tolerance and reduce habitual reactivity. The psychological literature has mainly focussed on mindfulness as the cultivation method of equanimity. However, there are various other indigenous pathways and methods for the cultivation of equanimity which this study aims to explore in detail. Thirty experts from various contemplative traditions such as yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and Indian Psychology were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews suggests various methods for the cultivation of equanimity such as practices facilitating awareness and openness towards experience, generative practices, various pathways of yoga and indirect pathways such as socio-emotional ethical learning, art and others. These techniques are elaborated separately for children and adults. Implications for practice: The implications of the cultivation of equanimity are discussed in context of holistic well-being, leadership practices and for the development of therapeutic models and techniques.