Virtue 3: Resilience
“Life is not about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Resilience is a virtue we’re urgently calling on in the midst of the current pandemic, the anguished call for a social justice movement, and the rise of climate change. The waves just keep coming. Resilience is the strength of the human spirit to endure and navigate through adversity, disappointment, tragedy and loss. What does resilience look like at this unique time in our history and our lives?
Our perseverance to keep taking one step after another is an astounding testament to the depth of our spiritual fortitude.
This is a deeply emotional time, and many of us are experiencing the FOG Syndrome, cited in Linda’s book, A Pace of Grace: fatigue, overwhelm, and guilt. We are plagued by crisis and compassion fatigue; overwhelmed by the images and information coming in on all media -- what The Economist calls an “infodemic”; and guilt at all the unsolved issues that demand attention.
We can get through the FOG by calling on nimble adaptability in creating and managing change in our personal lives. To do this effectively at a time of great stress, grief, and anxiety, we have to ground ourselves in radical self-care. Here are three resilience practices to benefit yourself, your family, your community, and the world:
“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” ~ Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
We will get through this, but let us never get past it. This is a tipping point for creating sustainable change in community health, social justice, environmental protection, and new ways of thinking. The waves will keep coming. As resilient sailors, we’re learning to ride the waves.
Authors: Linda Kavelin-Popov and David Feldman
Linda Kavelin-Popov is a psychotherapist and hospice spiritual care doula. She is co-founder of The Virtues Project, endorsed by The Dalai Lama and the United Nations. She has authored seven books, translated into several languages. She was named a “Cultural Creative” by Time Magazine.
Dave Feldman is an entrepreneur, community builder, thought leader and international speaker. He co-founded several social entrepreneurial ventures including: Virtues Matter, developer of the Virtues Cards app; Livability Project, a sustainability consultancy; and Media4Green, an environmental content producer.