The body mind connection to resilience
Resilience is often touted as a buzzword in corporate settings, highlighting our capacity as employees, and as humans, to rebound from challenges and persevere relentlessly. However, the conventional understanding of resilience often overlooks its holistic nature. It's not merely about inner drive, focus, or flexible thinking – it's much more profound than that.
Resilience isn't confined to the battleground of the mind; it encompasses the intricate interplay between our body, mind, and spirit. It's an integral aspect of our being as spiritual and physical entities. Therefore, to truly embody resilience, we must recognize and honor this interconnectedness.
It's time to shift the narrative surrounding resilience and embrace its multidimensional essence. By acknowledging the interconnected nature of our body, mind, and spirit, we can cultivate a deeper and more authentic resilience that empowers us to navigate life's challenges with grace and fortitude.
“To truly embody resilience, we must recognize and honor this interconnectedness”
I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of spirit, mind, and body. Living well, to me, entails restoring balance and nurturing the connection among these three integral parts of ourselves. Just as in yogic practices, activating the body serves as a gateway to accessing the mind, ultimately leading us to the core of our being – our spirit, our soul, the infinite essence of who we are.
So, how does this relate to resilience, you may wonder? Well, resilience serves as a powerful tool that enables us to peel back layers, unveiling our true nature – our soul. It allows us to navigate through the fluctuations of the mind and external environment, leading us closer to experiencing personal bliss in this lifetime.
Together, let's explore five essential aspects that can help us build resilience and thrive amidst life's challenges.
NOURISHMENT
Nourishment holds a sacred place, transcending mere sustenance. Just as our thoughts shape our reality, the foods we consume become woven into the fabric of our being.
At the core of our existence lies serotonin – the conductor of our symphony of happiness, vitality, and inner peace.
Did you know that nearly 90% of our body's serotonin resides in our gut? It is within the intricate tapestry of our gut microbiome that the journey towards life satisfaction begins to unfold. Thus, the nourishment we offer holds profound significance.
The brain utilizes the amino acid tryptophan to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for fostering feelings of happiness and well-being. Plant-based sources rich in tryptophan include leafy greens, sunflower seeds, watercress, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, broccoli, and peas.
Embracing a healthy, intuitive diet is essential – one that infuses vitality into our bodies without resorting to restriction or shame.
SLEEP
I'm sure you saw this one coming, and it's true – there's no shortage of advice on the importance of good sleep. Yet here I am, writing to you in the wee hours of the night, unable to find the solace of sleep myself. It's a familiar struggle, one I've grappled with for as long as I can remember.
Adequate sleep is more than just a physical necessity; it's a vital pillar of resilience. As you drift into slumber, your body enters a state of renewal, repairing and rejuvenating itself for the challenges ahead. But beyond the physical benefits, sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance and mental clarity.
During sleep, your brain processes the events of the day, sorting through emotions and consolidating memories. This nightly ritual allows you to wake up with a refreshed perspective, better equipped to navigate life's ups and downs. Conversely, chronic sleep deprivation can erode your resilience in various ways. It can lead to heightened emotional reactivity, impaired decision-making, and decreased creativity. Without sufficient rest, you may find yourself more prone to stress, conflict, and negative thinking.
How can we ease the burden of insomnia or poor sleep? Let's start with the basics. Incorporating foods like cherries or pistachios after dinner, which contain melatonin, or enjoying kiwis, rich in serotonin, can aid in regulating sleep. Additionally, practices like yoga Nidra offer relaxation.
Here's a recent game-changer for me: candlelight evenings after the blue hour, with no artificial lighting. Inspired by a friend, this simple ritual has proven incredibly beneficial in preparing me for restful sleep.
It's also important to grant yourself the space to accept the challenges of insomnia. Acknowledge the frustration of wanting to sleep but struggling to do so. Remember, some nights will be better than others, and with patience and self-compassion, you'll find your way to restorative sleep eventually.
MOVEMENT
The sacred dance of movement… Our bodies are the tool of our human experience and we should cherish every chance we have to feel it. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These endorphins not only give us a boost of energy and positivity for the day but also contribute to better sleep and help regulate stress levels by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
Consistent exercise also plays a crucial role in increasing serotonin levels, which are essential for balancing mood and emotions in the long term. While the choice of activity is secondary to the consistency of practice, as a practitioner of yoga, I must highlight the transformative effects of asana practice: enhancing strength and flexibility, improving breathing patterns, fostering mental clarity, and nurturing a sense of unity.
Regardless of what type of movement you chose, to integrate movement into our lives, we need sustainable objectives. It's not about spending hours in the gym daily; oftentimes, a simple 30-minute walk in the sunshine can yield significant benefits for resilience and overall well-being.
MINDFULNESS
Discovering moments of mindfulness can be as simple as indulging in a cup of tea with a book in serene solitude or dedicating a few minutes each day to meditation. These practices serve as sacred sanctuaries, allowing us to delve into the depths of our being, fostering resilience in the face of life's ebbs and flows.
Guided meditations, intentional breathing exercises, or the practice of journaling can facilitate immersion in the present moment, enabling us to connect with our spiritual essence. By infusing spirituality into these practices, we enrich each moment with a profound sense of reverence and alignment with the divine.
Embracing mindfulness not only bolsters our resilience but also forms the foundation of our fulfillment. It is through these practices that we cultivate a deep sense of connection to ourselves and the world around us, guiding us towards a life imbued with purpose and meaning.
CONNECTION
"No (hu)man is an island," as the saying goes. As someone who cherishes solitude yet acknowledges the importance of connection, I've come to realize the profound strength that stems from our relationships with others. While it may be challenging for us chronic and content loners to admit, a sense of connection to fellow beings enriches us from within, imbuing life with greater meaning.
Indeed, the quality of our connections can significantly impact the depth and richness of our lives. Just as we carefully curate other aspects of our lives in alignment with our values, intentions, and mission, so too should we approach our relationships. It's said that we become the sum of the five people closest to us – if they embody spiritual practices, health priorities, or other virtues, we're likely to follow suit, and vice versa.
Therefore, it's vital to surround ourselves with souls who genuinely love and respect us, individuals with whom life flows effortlessly. These authentic connections not only nourish our spirits but also support our growth and evolution on our respective paths, fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges.
