Resilience is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. It is a must have skill to survive and grow. Resilience is the super power of the child that we carry inside each one of us today.

 

How to be resilient?

Being resilient calls for three qualities, rather 3 C’s- a carefree nature, a curious mind and courage. To have a carefree nature like that of a small child, be curious just like a toddler with thousands of questions in the minds and eager to find out minute details about something; and courageous having the child like ability to bounce back from trouble. In fact, one can attain personal and professional growth if he keeps the child within him alive.

As we grow, however, expectations change. Our goals change as do our habits. We forget the child within us that still dwells, waiting to be given a chance. We are not courageous to do the right thing. We become cautious and not curious.

 

Resilience through the passage of time

The 3C’s also imply that one needs to keep his foot planted firm on reality and be humble. The old fable of the proud oak tree and the modest reed shows the values of these two virtues. In the face of  strong winds, the proud oak was desperately trying to hold its head up, refusing to bow down. The nimble, reed on the other hand, bent, was flexible; it bent its head and adjusted to the strong winds and stayed rooted to the ground .As a result, the huge, magnificent oak was uprooted while the tiny, insignificant reed remained planted, safe and sound.

These values of resilience have been corroborated by modern day thought leaders. Viktor Frankl is a neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author and holocaust survivor; and Aaron Antonovsky, a sociologist have strongly corroborated the same. They exemplify that in order to be resilient, we must be optimistic, realistic and resourceful, besides keeping ourselves flexible.

 

Relevance of resilience today

The current world scenario amidst the pandemic caused by Covid-19 has also provided us the situation to show powerful resilience. A year back, when we were all locked in our homes, the only activity perhaps was our online classes. Some students cried and threw tantrums, but with no avail. We have collectively withstood the test of time that makes us enjoy the fruits of our optimism as we see schools and institutions opening up. In such difficult times, those students who were flexible, utilised their time. They joined different classes and engaged in many extra-curricular activities.

Deaths, loss of jobs, homelessness– all so full of horror; but overcoming this horror can help us explore ourselves. Being resilient  makes this exploration easier. It helps us cope even with the toughest phase of life.

Kahlil Gibran has beautifully summed up the essence of resilience when he says:“ Out of suffering we have emerged the strongest of our souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from St. Josephs High School, Matigara, Darjeeling:Ashwika Agarwal, Shreejata Kundu and Vanshika Limbu.