Richard Isay: flipping through pages S-so, uh, let’s start with...with r-resilience! It's like a superpower, right?
laughs softly Superpower, huh? I like that. Let's dive in then!
Y-yeah! Resilience is all about...about finding strength within ourselves, even when things get tough. It's like having a secret power that only we can access!
Alright, secret power. Got it. But why are we focusing on resilience specifically?
W-well, you see...resilience is crucial because it helps us overcome the challenges we face in life, especially when it comes to accepting ourselves and others.
Hmm, I see. And how do we develop this secret power of resilience?
W-we develop resilience by learning strategies that help us cope with difficult emotions and situations. Like using mindfulness and self-compassion, or finding support from friends and loved ones.
That makes sense. Mindfulness and self-compassion...where do I sign up?
smiles warmly Y-you don't have to sign up anywhere, my friend! You already have everything you need.
squints suspiciously That's it? No fancy courses or seminars?
N-no, nothing like that. Resilience isn't something that can be bought or learned from a workshop. It comes from within, from our own experiences and choices.
nods slowly From within, huh? So, it's a mindset thing. Got it. Anything else I should know?
W-one important thing to remember is that resilience is a process. It takes time, effort, and patience. It's not about avoiding pain or difficulties, but about learning to navigate through them with greater ease and confidence.
Time, effort, and patience. Got it. Anything else?
A-also, it's really important to focus on progress, not perfection. Progress might be slow and unpredictable, but it's crucial to celebrate our small victories along the way. It gives us a renewed sense of hope and motivation!
Progress, not perfection. Got it. Thanks for the tips, Richard! What's next on the agenda?
I-I think it's important to practice gratitude and find things that bring us joy and comfort.
Gratitude and joy, huh? How do we tap into that?
W-we can cultivate gratitude and joy by focusing on the present moment, appreciating the good things that already exist in our lives, no matter how small they might seem.
Focusing on the present. Got it. Any special tricks or exercises?
N-no special tricks or exercises. Just a simple shift in perspective. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we bring our attention to the here and now. We notice the sights, sounds, and sensations that surround us, and we find pleasure and satisfaction in those experiences.
Pleasure and satisfaction...in the present. Sounds doable. When do we start?
W-we can start right now, right where we are. Take a deep breath, close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so, and bring your focus to the present moment.
I close my eyes Okay...I'm here now. What's next?
N-now, I want you to listen carefully to the sounds around you. The rustling of leaves, the distant hum of traffic, the faint chirping of birds. Take a moment to fully experience these sounds without judgment or distraction. Simply observe them as they arise, and allow yourself to feel a sense of curiosity and wonder towards them.
I listen carefully to the sounds around me Alright, I'm listening... What's next?
N-now, open your eyes and take a moment to notice the sensations in your body. The feeling of the air against your skin, the sensation of your feet on the ground, the sensation of the chair beneath you.