Spiritual Practice- Building Resilience In a Challenging World
Developing a Growth Mindset
What makes it possible for some of us to thrive while others succumb to the fierce winds of pressure and stress? How come some of us bounce back with resilience when others crumble and become withdrawn and isolated? These are questions I often get asked as I talk about awe and wonder walks, having fun and living with joy and gratitude.
Sustaining life when the going gets tough is often a challenge, and when we think about the daunting problems of the world in which we live it is no wonder that some of us feel depressed and anxious. However there are ways to build resilience and chip away at our depression or anxiety that all of us can benefit from. Interestingly I began this list about 10 years ago with “Five practices to build resilience”. It has now grown to 10 practices, partly because our world seems to become for stressful everyday.
Take intentional stress relief breaks. The key to resilience is to try hard in small bursts then take a break. Try really hard, then stop, recover, and try again. After a stressful life event – loss of a job, or a loved one, natural disasters like hurricane Helene in North Carolina or the recent L.A. wildfires, the weight of ongoing war in Ukraine, Palestine and Sudan, or even just the completion of a demanding work project, we need to take time for our bodies, spirits and souls to recover. Working hard burns energy. Stopping for a quiet pause during the day or week – pausing to pray, breathing exercises, planning activities you know relax and make you feel refreshed, all help. As you know I am a strong advocate for retreats, which refocus and renew us and can transform all of us into super resilient people. I am rapidly becoming a strong advocate for sabbatical or “fallow” seasons too, weeks or months when we move away from busy productivity and relax, restore and refresh ourselves.
Interestingly recent research suggests that exercise is more effective when we go all out for a few minutes then relax our pace for another few. Our minds too are built for short energetic bursts followed by relaxing pauses. Maybe one of the best things we could do for people who have lost their houses in L.A. is to give them the opportunity for a restful break in a beautiful place.
Look for the joy spots. Rewrite your story or the story of the stressful event so that your struggles become growth opportunities. See stress as a way to fuel your values and your purpose. Watching the horrors of the wildfires in L.A. sapped my energy. Watching the incredible dedication of firefighters and first responders, some from Mexico, Canada, South Africa and Australia, as well as of those who reached out and provided meals, housing and groceries helped me bounce back, boosted my energy and my own desire to help.
Develop a Growth Mindset. When we replace “I don’t think I will ever get over this.” with “This was challenging. It will take me a long time to recover” or “I cannot do this” with “I cannot do this… yet.” or “I cannot do this… alone” we transform defeat into resilient success. Thinking positive thoughts and surrounding ourselves with other positive people really does help. Interestingly, the recent fires in L.A. in which so many lost so much have had many people questioning what is really important in their lives. I have a number of friends who have decided to downsize and give away many of their possessions as a result.
Help others and express gratitude. Studies show that people are more resilient when they have strong support networks of friends and family to help them cope with a crisis. You get an even bigger resilience boost by giving support. When we reach out and help others, we create meaning and purpose that helps push us through adversity. No wonder Paul tells us to “consider the needs of others as more important than our own (Philippians 2:4)
Play and have fun. Make mundane tasks in the midst of painful experiences into a game with stakes, challenges and rewards. Celebrate and take joy in small wins. This doesn’t mean we belittle the magnitude of a crisis but it does often lighten our mood and that of those around us.
Remember your comebacks. There is something incredibly inspiring about recounting the challenges we have already faced and overcome. Sharing these stories with others can build resilience not only in us but in them too. No wonder God told the Israelites to remember and recount their stories of escape from slavery, endurance in the desert and entry into the promised land. They were a resilient people who overcame incredible obstacles time and time again.
Increase physical activity. Going for a long walk boosts our happiness and our resilience.It also raises our spirits and brings joy to our souls. No wonder people often feel close to God when walking through a forest or on the beach.
Push yourself outside your comfort zones. Taking on new challenges and keeping your brain fresh, sharp and inquisitive makes us flexible and resilient, more open to new ideas and the optimistic outlook that we need to keep us going. “What could I try next?” is a great question to stretch us beyond ourselves.
Maintain regular spiritual practices. This has been the key to my spiritual resilience. I know that many today are afraid of regular practices because they can become stale and legalistic, but if we don’t have these regular disciplines then our spiritual life soon dries up. In my book Godspace I talked about the need for regular routines and rituals, practices that enhance our lives without overwhelming us. I suggested that we need four types of practices – those that intentionally deepen our relationship to God, those that move us towards wholeness and maturity, those that empower us to see beyond our own needs to the hurting world of which we are a part, and those that draw us into the rest and celebration of God’s kingdom. I still see these as keys to resilient living.
Use Your Creative Gifts and create beauty in the midst of pain. I still remember when a hairdresser joined our team working in the refugee camps in Africa. Within a very short time she had a long line of clients waiting for her. The opportunity to bring a little beauty into everyone’s life was transformational for her and for everyone else. Writing, drawing, woodwork, knitting, can all be used to create beauty. As well as that, they cement memories and provide opportunities for us to slow down, take notice and relax all keys to resilience.
What Is Your Response
Prayerfully consider your own approach to life. What practices provide spiritual resilience for your life? What could you do to increase your resilience and ability to bounce back when you face challenges and obstacles?
NOTE: I originally planned to share this only with my paying subscribers, but find it very difficult to do so as I feel this kinds of principles are important for all of us. If you would consider becoming part of my paying subscribers I would really appreciate it though. It helps me produce more resources for everyone.
Excellent post, Christine. Thanks for sharing. I just wrote a book on 10 practices for spiritual growth. The world needs more spirituality to withstand these onslaughts. Blessings to you!