Aesop is believed to have lived in Greece about 500 to 600 BC. One of Aesops Fables: An Oak that grew on the bank of a river was uprooted by a severe winds, and thrown across the stream. It fell among some Reeds growing by the water. The Oak said said to them, “How is it that you, who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the storm, whereas I, with all my strength, have been torn up by the roots and hurled into the river?” “You were stubborn,and fought against the storm, which proved stronger than you. We bow and yield to each breeze, and thus the gale passed harmlessly over our heads.”

People have needed tales of resiliency for thousands of years. I have been as stubborn as the Oak and also toppled. We have been called to gather up a great deal of resiliency recently. We need this characteristic now more than ever. Many of us had to adapt to shelter at home. Many including myself lost a significant amount of income due to shutdowns or shifts shifts in the markets. We had to learn to adapt to shortages of the very basic items we needed. We are now adapting to the new ways of being in public with rules of physical distancing and wearing masks. Some of us have lost loved ones due to the virus. Some of us are unable to visit those who are in hospitals and care facilities. I hear many people, say this has been kind of like living in a science fiction horror movie. I have felt that way at times.

Merriam Webster definition of resilience :characterized or marked by resilience: such as a: capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture b: tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

We have definitely been through a shock. We need to take extra care of our bodies, minds and souls during times of stress. You know the drill, eat healthy, exerise and sleep. Exercise will help with sleep. Practice self compassion, breath work and meditation. Seek out safe and physically distanced social support groups. Keep in touch with friends, family or spiritual communities. I agree wth many who now use the term physical distance instead of social distance. We can be physical apart and still connect socially.

We will continue to face great change for many months and years to come. The pace of change in our society was already accelerating. Working in the roller coaster of Information Technology ten years ago, I liked the challenge constantly learning new things. However at times it was overwhelming to keep up with advancements. I would go to the park at lunch and look at nature. Know when you are feeling overwhelmed by change and take a break. Some of us like change less than others.

Many of us now realize the need for change our in our policies to end discrimination and protect everyone, every color, gender and age. Look for opportunities in the change. I know some of this change is for the better and very long over due. I don’t want things to completely go back to the way they were in society. Championing this change will also take much hope and also resilience.

An awesome Minnesota resource is Doctor Henry Emmons. He lectures and teaches classes on resilience. His books include the Chemistry of Calm. I heard him speak several years ago. There are many things we can do to build up our resilience to read more about resiliency click here https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201908/how-build-resilience