http://liveanddare.com/zen-monastery-lessons/
“[O]ne of the hundreds of meditation benefits is developing equanimity, which is the capacity to maintain internal calmness and composure in all moments, instead of being swayed by the opposites. To meet pleasure and pain, praise and blame, good and bad luck, with the same state of mind. This virtue will give you almost “superhuman” powers of clarity and strength through challenges that make most people experience confusion, anxiety or stress.
No matter what is happening outside yourself, or even inside yourself, you have the ability to meet life with presence of spirit and wisdom. You don’t need to be a puppet of your thoughts and feelings – they only have the power you give them. For this truth to be your own, you need the courage and discipline to be present, mindful and open throughout all challenges in your life. And to realize that how you react to events is a choice – however automatic it may be – and not a necessity. You have the power to change it.”
CosmicMind 