Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to develop a definition of equanimity and present a scale for its measurement. Equanimity is defined as a non-cognitive behavioural having the qualities of flexibility, objectivity, self-awareness, compassion, and equilibrium (FOSCE). In turn, it is linked to the development of workplace spirituality through Swadharma. The presence of equanimity is accepted as presence of Swadharma. Gaps in the previous assessments of equanimity provide a foundation for its development. FOSCE measures the five qualities from two perspectives – the participants and that of their associate/s. The maximum match of responses proves the presence of equanimity. The simplicity and versatility of the developed measure means that it can be applied without being time consuming makes it an ideal tool to assess equanimity and comprehend the maturity of Swadharma in individuals. Practical application of the scale includes assessing leadership development and assessing equanimity for detecting the presence of workplace spirituality.
TopIntroduction
Currently factors like climate change and environmental degradation; religious fundamentalism; terrorism; natural disasters; new online industries and technological change are placing pressure on nations, communities and individuals to comprehend and adapt to change and challenges (Connaughton, 2016). These pressures generate anxiety and pressures, risking mental health (WHO, 2017). An individual can accommodate change when they are able to interact with the outside world with emotional maturity (Natesan, Keeffe & Darling, 2008). Emotional maturity is exhibited when one attains inner equilibrium and achieves equanimity (Dhiman, 2019). By sitting or lying while breathing deeply along with mental relaxation, twice a day for 30 minutes equanimity can be achieved through attainment of inner equilibrium (Bloomfield, Cain & Jaffe, 1976).
This chapter presents a concept of a new definition for equanimity and introduces a scale to assess equanimity based on the new definition of equanimity that is founded on the principles of Swadharma. In the context of workplace spirituality (Petchsawang & Duchon, 2012), Swadharma plays a specific role related to leadership (Dutt, 2018). Applying the tenets of Swadharma, equanimity is redefined as a non-cognitive behavioural attribute (Farrington et al. 2012) having the five traits - flexibility, objectivity, self-awareness, compassion, and equilibrium. Together they measure equanimity.
The chapter addresses the limitations of existing definitions of equanimity and existing scales which assess equanimity. The chapter highlights the scope of FOSCE scale. The context being workplace, it will have significance in its practical application, firstly as a tool in assessment, development and training of equanimity in the workplace; and, secondly, to evaluate the presence of workplace spirituality (Petchsawang & Duchon, 2012).
In this study Swadharma is defined as the unique role by realising one’s duty and taking one’s rightful place in the world. There are various definitions of equanimity (Desbordes et al. 2015; Murphy, 2016; Connaughton, 2016). Equanimity captures a skilful emotional response to the full range of feeling tones where feeling happy without interfering with the mental pleasure by trying to grasp hold of it, or, feeling unhappy and being able to “gaze upon” it with equanimity rather than trying to change it into something other than it is, are both skills that can be developed (Desbordes et al., 2015 p.359). The literature has indicated that equanimity can be achieved through the practice of meditation (Bloomfield et al., 1976; Desbordes et al 2015). Swadharma is a result of practicing spirituality (Bhave, n.d.) and spirituality is facilitated by the practice of meditation (MettaCentre, n.d.).This indicates that Swadharma and equanimity are associated (Marballi, 2015) – the association is the basis of a conceptual definition that is presented in this chapter.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Equilibrium: Equilibrium is defined as an effect of meditation. It is transient and subject to reduction through the passage of time. The practice of meditation needs to be repeated to renew the realisation of equilibrium ( Bagheri & Bagheri, 2013 ).
Workplace Spirituality: A workplace where people have compassion towards others, experience a mindful inner consciousness in the pursuit of meaningful work and that enables transcendence (Petchsawang & Duchon, 2012 AU67: The in-text citation "Petchsawang & Duchon, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Non-Cognitive Attribute: Refers to the very broad range of strategies, skills, attitudes, and behaviors which play an essential role in academic performance, but may not be captured (directly) by cognitive or achievement tests ( Farrington et al., 2012 ).
Compassion: Compassion is defined as a cultivation of self-regulation through meditation practice with the magnitude of emotional response ( Lutz et al., 2008 ).
Swadharma: Swadharma ( swa , own, and dharma , duty) is defined as a person’s own unique role in life or way of being in the world (The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, 2003 AU66: The in-text citation "The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, 2003" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Flexibility: Is having the awareness of transitory nature of momentary experiences which contribute to a dispositional perspective change in relation to one’s thoughts ( Desbordes et al., 2015 ).
Meditation: Is a mind training technique which when practiced manifests mindful self-awareness, self-regulation, flow, perseverance, persistence among various other positive attributes (Csikszentmihalyi, 1988 AU63: The in-text citation "Csikszentmihalyi, 1988" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Equanimity: Equanimity is defined as ‘an even-minded mental state or dispositional tendency toward all experiences or objects, regardless of their origin or their affective valence (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral)’ ( Desbordes et al., 2015 , p. 356).
Leadership: Leadership is a balanced combination of each of these five virtues – intelligence, trustworthiness, humaneness, courage, and discipline ( Tzu & Cleary, 2003 ).
Objectivity: Objectivity is defined as having a single pointed focus to achieve the outcome consciously determined (Metta Centre, n.d. AU64: The in-text citation "Metta Centre, n.d." is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is defined as mindful awareness of actions undertaken (MettaCentre, n.d. AU65: The in-text citation "MettaCentre, n.d." is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ). It is the outcome of practicing meditation and indicator of the presence of Swadharma ( Bhave, n.d. ).