Dear Friends,
As we continue exploring the wise efforts, we now turn to the third: cultivating wholesome states. Joseph Goldstein describes this as “arousing wholesome states that have not yet arisen.” He points us toward the seven factors of awakening as key examples of these states.
In his book Mindfulness, Joseph quotes Bhikkhu Bodhi, who writes:
The seven states are grouped together as “enlightenment factors” both because they lead to enlightenment and because they constitute enlightenment. In the preliminary stages of the path they prepare the way for the great realization; in the end they remain as its components. The experience of enlightenment, perfect and complete understanding, is just these seven components working in unison to break all shackles and bring final release from sorrow.
The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Chapter V: Right Effort (Samma Vayama)
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html#ch5
Cultivating wholesome states means intentionally nurturing qualities like mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity. These qualities don’t just support our journey–they are the path and the destination.
As we explore this effort in practice, we can reflect:
- How can I nurture mindfulness in this moment?
- What might bring more joy or tranquility into my mind today?
- How can I strengthen investigation, energy, or equanimity in my practice?
Each small step to nurture these qualities plants the seeds of awakening.
I invite you to reflect on this: what wholesome states do you notice in your practice, and how might you nurture them further? Please feel free to share your thoughts.
With good wishes,
Andrea
Sometimes I confuse equanimity with numbness. For example, I have recently experienced anger in relation to my cousin’s death. I find the anger has subsided but not sure its equanimity that has taken hold. Not its near enemy indifference but more a numb feeling. And I can still touch the anger if I tell myself the story–it is just a bit more removed. Thoughts?
Dear Dianne,
Thank you for sharing this reflection, and I am very sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one can be a profound and tender experience, and it is understandable that anger, numbness, and other complex feelings are arising as you navigate this time.
For me, when I feel into the difference between equanimity and numbness, I notice that equanimity has a sense of openness, balance, and heartfulness, while numbness feels more disconnected or shut down. Neither state is necessarily a problem; it is natural in the grieving process for emotions to shift and change. Perhaps the numbness you are noticing is simply a way your mind and heart are giving themselves space to process.
As you might recall, Jeanne often talks about titrating difficult emotions–touching into the difficulty in a small, manageable way and then turning toward something nourishing. I wonder, as you continue to explore, if you might acknowledge the numbness with kindness and compassion. You could reflect: “Oh, this is how my body-heart-mind is trying to help me right now. This is how numbness feels.”
If it feels supportive, you might also bring in Kristin Neff’s self-compassion break, meeting the experience with mindfulness, remembering that this experience is part of our shared humanity: other people experience this too–it is a universal human condition. Then, gently offer yourself kindness: “May I be kind to myself in this moment,” and perhaps giving yourself a little hug or kind gesture.
I am holding you in my thoughts and sending metta as you navigate this tender journey.
With great care, Andrea
Thanks Andrea, this is helpful. The difference between equanimity and numbness is something I will continue to reflect on in the light of what you said.
I am always surprised when I don’t think of self compassion when needed. Doh