Mental resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from stress, adversity, and other challenging situations. It is a crucial skill to have in today’s fast-paced and seemingly unpredictable world, and can help us stay grounded and focused in the face of any obstacle. One powerful way to build mental resilience is through self-inquiry and creating space between what you think and who you are. Here’s how it works and how you can put it into practice.
Self-inquiry is the process of examining your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs with curiosity and non-judgment. It involves creating a distance between yourself and your thoughts, and observing them with a sense of detachment. This can help you gain clarity and perspective, and reduce the impact of negative self-talk and rumination. Research has shown that self-inquiry can improve mental health, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase resilience (Roemer et al., 2008).
Creating space between what you think and who you are involves recognizing that your thoughts and emotions do not define you. They are simply passing events in your mind that come and go, much like the weather. By creating this space, you can detach from negative or limiting thoughts and emotions, and cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience. This can help you stay motivated and focused, even in the face of challenging situations.
An actionable step to help you build mental resilience through self-inquiry and creating space is to practice looking at your thoughts with intrigue instead of taking them on as who you are.
This involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Start by finding a place you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, noticing the sensations in your body. Then, bring your attention to your thoughts and emotions, observing them with curiosity and non-judgment. Allow them to come and go, like passing clouds in the sky. With regular practice, you can develop a sense of inner calm and resilience that will help you navigate any challenge that comes your way.
In conclusion, building mental resilience is a crucial skill that can help us thrive in the face of stress and adversity. By practicing self-inquiry and creating space between what you think and who you are, you can develop a sense of inner strength and resilience that will serve you well in all areas of your life.