Resiliency Round-Up

“She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” – Elizabeth Warren

Both physical and emotional resiliency involve a sense of elasticity, or buoyancy. They’re about springing back after difficulties and softening the edges of a hurt. In some instances, inner resilience enables us to not merely recover, but to ultimately thrive.  These rough patches can come in many forms – chronic and acute health issues, business setbacks, relationship conflicts, death, emotional triggers, political tension, and even things like increasing levels of distractions.

Although we can’t eradicate all adversity from life, we can learn and grow resiliency. Below is a round-up of 6 resiliency resources – an article, book, song, a couple of Ted Talks, and a nature experience. (Further below you’ll find specific resiliency-strengthening resources from OpenSpace Mindfulness.)

How People Learn to be Resilient

This New Yorker article unpacks resiliency from a psychological perspective, taking a particular look at how resilience can be learned.

Resilient

In his latest book, Dr. Rick Hanson blends neuroscience, mindfulness and psychology to offer a deeper understanding of resilience, along with accessible practices for growing it.

I am Light

A client of mine shared this India.Arie song with me after experiencing it in a group learning setting – right when people were leaning into their vulnerability and courage. I invite you to get comfortable and let the words wash over you. You may also want to make a date with yourself to spend time with other music or art that reconnects you with your, tenderness, humanity and resourcefulness.

What Trauma Taught Me About Resilience

In this Ted Talk, Charles Hunt gives an honest and real glimpse at what trauma can teach us about resilience. He also speaks to the critical role both the mind and connections with others play in the relationships among trauma, resilience and happiness.

Resilience: The Emotional Capital in Young People

An insightful Ted Talk for anyone who works with or cares for young people. Jay Baughan explores 10 emotional skills that illustrate what resilience is really about out in the world, and how to build resilience capital in young people.

Pleasure Walk

In her book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, Dr. Kristen Neff invites people to take a 15 to 30-minute walk outside (in nature if possible), with the specific intention of experiencing pleasure. As a researcher in the field of mindful self-compassion, she has found this to be an effective, enjoyable way to transform difficult emotions and replenish inner reserves. As Dr. Neff describes, “The goal of the walk is to notice as many pleasant things as possible, so that you are generating an upbeat frame of mind. How many happy, beautiful, or inspiring things can you notice while walking?…What’s good about the experience of walking itself? Can you get in touch with the wonder of being able to walk, of feeling the earth underneath your feet?” Head here for more practices from Dr. Neff.

Mindful Living– Mindfulness has been shown to boost both emotional and physical resiliency.   Join me at my next six-week course as we take an experiential dive into mindfulness, through formal practices and daily life applications. (Note: this series is also available for private groups and one-on-one.)

Nurturing Breath Break– This link includes an 8-minute guided, restorative breath meditation along with written guidelines to practice on your own.