Mettā is the heart of love turned towards the good qualities of ourselves or another being, and compassion is the heart of love turned towards suffering. Mudita is the heart of love turned towards the good fortune of others, and equanimity is the heart of love turned towards wisdom. Equanimity is the heart of love that is able to hold the truth of suffering; the truth of change, the unfathomable workings of karma, and able to be with the fact that we’re not able to control circumstances all the time. It’s the heart that’s able to hold all of these things and to love anyway. Equanimity is not the same as indifference. It’s just love with a lot of space. That space makes it a sustainable kind of love, and one that’s very useful for challenging times.
Kate Johnson
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Kate Johnson is a meditation teacher, facilitator, writer and mama. She offers classes and retreats integrating relational spirituality, social justice, somatics and creativity, and consults with organizations committed to equity, sustainability, and the practice of wise relationships. She is also the author of the book Radical Friendship.