Week Twelve: Equanimity. March 19 – The Power of a Non-Anxious Presence

Gregg’s Reflection

What would it be like to keep an even keel, not to be tossed back and forth by emotional swings in your day? Come with us as we explore equanimity, one of the fruits of contemplative practice.

I remember the first time someone described a leader as having a “non-anxious presence.” At the time, I was more familiar with leaders who radiated stress, urgency, or the need to control — often because that’s what I saw in the mirror. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most influential people in my life weren’t those with the loudest voices or the most credentials, but those whose calm steadiness allowed me to breathe, think, and be myself.

Richard Rohr captures this truth perfectly when he writes, “In many countries where I have taught, people watched my eyes, my smile (or lack of it), my gestures, my neediness, my peace (or lack of it), and that became the primary message that affected them.” 

Staying grounded is so important. People notice more than our words — they notice our tone, our posture, our presence. When the peace of Christ is reflected in our eyes, our hands, and our words, it carries more weight than all our teaching and organizing combined. A non-anxious presence doesn’t just calm a room; it opens the door for the Spirit to work.

Scripture

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

Colossians 3:15

Ancient Quotes

Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.

Jalal al-Din Rumi, Sayings of Rumi

Modern Quotes

In many countries where I have taught, people watched my eyes, my smile (or lack of it), my gestures, my neediness, my peace (or lack of it), and that became the primary message that affected them or disaffected them—much more than my theologizing and my sermons. If my expressions and energy were off, my teaching was largely a waste of time.

Richard Rohr, Eager to Love, p. 199-200

Peace is not something you achieve; it is something you allow. The Spirit’s work is to settle you into the calm center of God’s presence.

Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart, p. 63

Journaling Prompts

• Who in your life has embodied a non-anxious presence, and how did it affect you?
  
  
• How might others describe your presence in stressful situations?
  
  
• What practices help you stay grounded in Christ’s peace?
  
  
• How can you reflect Christ’s peace through your eyes, hands, and words today?

👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 12 Reflection: Equanimity