Let's Talk About Resilience...

For a long time I have been thinking about resilience. I see so many of my clients doing deep healing work and feeling less 'triggered 'and more resourced, more self-nurtured and self-compassionate. More...resilient. Moving forward! And it makes me curious about the notion of resilience.

Here are two explanations of resilience:
"the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; or, the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity";  or this from the American Psychological Association: www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx "Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. It means "bouncing back" from difficult experiences."

These qualities - recovery, elasticity, re-framing, bouncing back, nurturing oneself, being kind to oneself are qualities I see in clients over time. NOT a rush to get 'well', or a hasty denial of what happened. Or how one feels. But a strong sense of self in body and mind and heart: I can do this. 

And interestingly, resilience is not necessarily something one is born with: it can be learned, practiced and developed in most people.

Another good source, I believe, is the series of podcasts from Dr. Rick Hanson: click here for the first podcast soundcloud.com/being-well/season-2-episode-1-introducing-resilience. 

The above link is the first in a five-part podcast starting with "What is Resilience"? The following weeks the topics, related to resilience are: "Being on your own side"; "Self-compassion"; "Acceptance"; and "Enjoying life". 

So how resilient are you? Do you want to learn how? Look for a four-week group I am starting in the new year, Monday January 7th to the 28th: Let's Talk About Resilience. In a small group setting I will give people the opportunity to explore individually, and with each other, their resilience: what it is for them and how they might learn, practice and strengthen their ability to recover or 'bounce back'. How to make lemonade when you are handed lemons!

Watch for it! Much love. 

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