There is no avoiding the havoc that crises create in our lives, businesses, and the world. Whether it be hurricanes, droughts, or forest fires, they tug on our hearts, threaten our safety and well-being—and sometimes level our way of life. These unexpected events often challenge us in ways we've never known before.
Life is unpredictable. We may not be able to control circumstances, but one thing difficult times teach us is our need for resiliency!
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Recently, we had a local tragedy at Kelly Canyon near Bozeman with a car accident stealing the life of one teen and deeply impacting many others—a personal crisis for each teen and their families. It shook and continues to shake our community.
Sometimes, we forget how—in an instant—our lives can change forever. For these teens, high speed was their painful teacher.
Across the globe, pain and suffering profoundly affect us.
In the Northwestern states, wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres. Abroad, a war in Syria caused millions of families to flee their homes; floods across Asia and Europe and droughts in Ethiopia wreak tremendous havoc.
We are not short on tragedies and challenges.
Poverty and inequality are still among the most tragic.
According to the latest Emergency Watchlist, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the home of "25.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance—more than any other country on earth."
When we are hit with a crisis, what can we do to bounce back?
We don't choose events; many are outside our control.
But we can strengthen our emotional intelligence to be more resilient.
It is resiliency that is at the core of all suffering, to keep going and to start again. This trait strengthens us all. To endure and overcome IS our very nature, but it's so easy to get overwhelmed and feel powerless.
Of course, it is understandable to feel apprehensive and powerless in the midst of threats and tragedies. Yet, these challenging seasons of our lives can also inspire us to act in the present—because the present is the only thing we have for certain.
Hard times teach us to value what is truly valuable: each other.
So how do we keep ourselves encouraged, maintain our balance, and find the deep corridors within ourselves to press forward with hope and love?
During a crisis, we often see people galvanize together. It is a testimony to the true strength of our humanity.
These circumstances teach us to be interdependent and to look outside our own little bubble to those who may need our help and support. Or maybe it is us who need to ask for support.
Related reading: "Resilience—the Ability to Bounce Back!"
Mindfulness Calms Anxiety of What We Cannot Control
We can mindfully choose to turn our attention to what is the best of our humanity. It is where we put our attention that determines how we feel.
Every single person has an impact that can be positive or negative.
When we awaken to this awareness, every moment unfolds opportunity if we are alert. Just one ordinary person can change the course of history, as we've seen so many times before.
Each one of us has a circle of influence to encourage, uplift, and support.
Every one of us can use our power to create a more peaceful, healthier world—but only if we assert our best.
Love is a choice.
Viruses may be contagious, but so are compassion, generosity, and caring!
Related reading: "Why Everyone Needs Empathy and Self-Compassion—Especially Now!"
The Necessity to Build Resiliency in Trouble Times
Why build resilience?
It is the power we have to face whatever happens and find our way through the challenge. Being resilient encourages us to stay encouraged, act wisely with our resources, and extend light and love to others.
Resiliency helps us accept responsibility for what we can control and recognize what we cannot control.
It cheers us on to take action toward building—and rebuilding—a brighter future.
What can you do to flex and strengthen your resiliency muscles?
Mindfulness helps us to stay present to WHAT IS and avoid letting fears take hold.
Being mindful instills in us our private calm within the hurricane of our lives. Inner peace within ourselves is a recharge battery to show up when it seems impossible to do so.
Together, we can create radical change by awakening our true inner power and by anchoring to what is most precious—the gift of life!
Let's build a love tsunami that flattens bias, prejudice, inequality, and injustice. May the truth that we are all connected bust down barriers. Our acts of kindness and compassion are the building blocks for a better future and the support each person and community needs when struggling.
Be well. Stay encouraged. Live and love fearlessly... and safely.
Related reading: "Love Has No Labels."
Email us at support@heartmanity.com if you need support.
