The only thing that makes sense is kindness. Equanimity in the mind really depends on having enough balance to know that whatever is happening now is not happening because of yesterday. It's happening because of everything that has ever happened in this whole world. Every individual is heir to their own karma. There are no enemies and no villains—this is just life unfolding, and the only thing we can do is to be kind. We can be kind to ourselves and everybody we meet so that in this whole pained world, we don't add any fuel to the fire of enmity.
Sylvia Boorstein
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, has taught Dharma and mindfulness meditation since 1985 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock. A psychologist as well as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she emphasizes daily life, citizenship, and social activism as integral to practice. Her books include It’s Easier Than You Think, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There, That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist, Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake, and Happiness Is an Inside Job.