If wellbeing is about how good or bad, positive or negative we feel, particularly about ourselves, then resilience is that capacity we have to bounce back, in the face of whatever life throws at us, to a former state of emotional strength and balance.
When talking about resilience we often tend to focus on behaviour particularly in relation to those things that are outside of ourselves. So in a work situation, for example, we might look at the influence of resources, control, work/life balance, job security etc as drains on our wellbeing.
However, the reason why we emphasize the inner dimensions is the realization that although outer conditions are important contributors to our wellbeing or suffering, in the end the mind can override that.
You can retain inner strength and wellbeing in very difficult situations. Who hasn’t been faced with a big challenge, when everything is going pear-shaped, and through sheer strength of will, drawn the situation to a successful conclusion?
Alternatively there are times when we have been a total wreck when everything seems to be perfect to the outside world..
When you know this, then it’s important to learn what inner conditions can build resilience that leads back to wellbeing and how to develop them. Here are 8 inner dimensions, drawn from our Wellbeing Wheel, that can develop to improve wellbeing and resilience>
1. A sense of self worth, self esteem and self confidence. This is the ‘ground’ of wellbeing as without this we are not in balance to start with.
2. Finding the quiet space within in order to get out of the mental agitation that goes along with being knocked out of balance.
3. Harnessing the power of our emotions rather than being driven by them.
4. Have a sense of identity, purpose and direction – when we bounce back it’s good to have something to bounce back to.
5. The ability to nurture the self; to health and strengthen those parts of us that feel threatened and teach ourselves how to restore balance.
6. The ability to lead one’s life; to be ‘at cause’ rather than ‘at effect’.
7. To know and have access to your inner and outer resources to provide the courage needed for right action.
8. Have a sense of vitality and enthusiasm for your life and to be deeply engaged.
When we learn to develop these inner conditions then we are much stronger to deal with life’s inevitable changes and challenges.
Find out more at Wellbeing Journey
