Jordan Peterson's Illness (Akathisia) & Equanimity Analysis

[ardacigin]

Since I've watched Jordan Peterson's lesson on Actualized, I've started to see more JP content on youtube. I've learned that he recently got diagnosed with a condition called Akathisia. 

Akathisia is defined as a profound inner restlessness and agony that is usually observed in decreasing, increasing and changing certain doses and medications. It is a movement disorder that makes it impossibly hard and agonizing to just sit still.

Once I read the symptoms, It was the exact opposite to the valuable skills we are developing on the spiritual path. Most especially, tranquility and equanimity.

Akathisia is this profound inner agony, craving and restlessness. Tranquility and equanimity is this profound inner contentment, joy, relaxation, calmness, openness and non-reactivity to pleasure and pain.

It goes to show the steep side effects of mis-using certain medications and more importantly neglecting spiritual development. It is important to move the needle.

Unless you are seeing these changes in consciousness and perception, try new things. Don't feel like you are stuck in a box with your one or two spiritual techniques. 

Try a technique and give it enough maturation time. Then slightly modify it. Gain some insights, develop equanimity and whenever you get stuck, move forward by changing certain negative entrenched habits and make even a bigger positive feedback loop with conscious training.

Make the most of each moment as it gives you a profound opportunity with what emotions, thoughts and intentions to attend to. Only when you dance with this dynamic, can you really 'meditate' in daily life. 

Take this very seriously. This 'meditate 1 hour a day' paradigm won't fly anymore. Each individual's baseline potential is way beyond that. Shockingly beyond that.

See, we all have our own natural 'Akathisia'. An agony in manageable doses. Unless you chip away at it with a powerful spiritual practice, any sort of breakthrough will fall flat on its weight.

Much love,

Arda