Resilience - A Birth Right!
Flowers in the background of titles saying - Resilience.
Thinking about the concept of resilience can be mind-boggling because of the enormity of the concept and its potential to feel like such an abstract concept. So let’s take it back to an image. In our mind's eye, let’s travel to a simpler time when playing with a ball was something we could all do just for fun with no expectations, judgments, or preconceived ideas. If people out there are lucky enough to still be experiencing this, bring these current experiences. In either case, step into that image and feeling. What images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind? While exploring, watch the ball that is bouncing. Notice how it freely bounces when it hits the ground, the wall, or an object. Then notice how the ball returns to its shape after flattening for a brief period at the instant it hits or maybe when it is caught. These processes seem to happen so naturally. Enjoy this image for another brief moment before coming back to the present.
Why venture into an image such as the ball bouncing? Because resilience is like that bouncing ball. It happens naturally in our bodies, minds, and spirit. It is an innate part of being human. Then somewhere along life’s journey, some of us have experiences that cloud or distort this natural ability to different degrees. It happens. Still lingering underneath, however, is that natural ability, that innate ability. It lives even in the darkest of times. Resilience remains present and accessible to us. During those dark times, resilience seems hard to find and access. Yes, it may be, and still, it is there. Accessing resilience asks us all to be creative and trust that we are capable, even when the environment may be saying something completely different.
Starting with believing that resilience is there is the first step. The second step is being willing to engage in the journey to acknowledge when we are experiencing resilience, even when it may seem so small, and to be vulnerable to rediscover our resilience if it feels lost. In either case, this process may not feel easy. It takes courage and persistence. Then the third step is to embrace resilience and fully own it. In some cultures, we are often taught to focus on our flaws and mistakes so that we instead work towards achieving perfection. We are not necessarily taught that mistakes are beautiful and resilience is a gift. So why would we find it essential to own our resilience unless there were specific circumstances that necessitated it? What might the world be like if we all embraced resilience and celebrated our innate ability? Perhaps we might be able to not only begin to honor ourselves and our journeys, but also begin to see that we have the power to change the world for the better so that others may not have to experience some of the pain, stress, and hardship.
take action today moment:
Give voice to your resilience! Begin by turning inward and seeing if you can identify where in your body your resilience lives. It sounds funny and may seem awkward at first. Give it a try. You might surprise yourself. You may find that your resilience has a shape, color, texture, a unique movement or rhythm, and energy. Once you have identified your resilience, acknowledge it and let it know that you appreciate it. From here, you can engage in the steps identified above or spend some more time exploring what resilience means to you.