The Resourced Leaders Guide #4: Cultivating Resilience
Hello, wonderful readers! Welcome back to another edition of the Resourced Leaders Guide. Today, I want to embark on a deep exploration of a topic that's not just essential but often overlooked in the realm of international development and social change - resilience.
It’s not that we don’t talk about resilience because we do. In international development and social change, we're all about building resilience in the communities we serve. Yet, often we overlook our own resilience as leaders. This week I’ll be talking about both.
For years, I held the belief that resilience was predominantly nurtured through self-care practices. And let me be clear, self-care is an absolute cornerstone of personal well-being. It's about carving out time for yoga, meditation, long walks, bubble baths, coaching, therapy, exercise or whatever nourishes your soul. However, as my journey unfolded, I uncovered a crucial missing piece in building resilience- nervous system regulation.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters
Our nervous system is the intricate conductor of our inner orchestra, responsible for orchestrating our responses to life's myriad ups and downs. It's also the epicenter of our stress response, and therein lies its profound significance in the pursuit of resilience.
Self-care is akin to the 'me-time' we all cherish. But imagine if your 'me-time' could be turbocharged with a profound sense of calm and centeredness. That's precisely what nervous system regulation brings to the table.
Complementary Forces: Self-Care and Nervous System Regulation
In many ways, self-care and nervous system regulation are like bookends, each holding a crucial role in building resilience. While self-care offers the space for relaxation and rejuvenation, nervous system regulation helps to anchor and sustain that sense of well-being.
Think of it this way: self-care helps you recover from the battles you face, while nervous system regulation provides you with the tools to better navigate those battles as they occur. It's a dynamic duo that equips you to tackle life's challenges head-on.
The Resilience We Need
In international development and social change, resilience is more than just a buzzword; it's an absolute necessity. We are on the front lines, often dealing with complex, emotionally charged issues. Our resilience is not just about surviving but thriving in the face of adversity.
True resilience isn't about bouncing back to your old self after a setback. It's about bouncing forward, growing from your experiences, and emerging stronger and more equipped to face the world's challenges.
Building Resilience as a Resourced Leader
My journey into the world of nervous system regulation started when I realized that self-care alone wasn't sufficient. I needed practices that could truly calm my nervous system's frantic dance amidst life's chaos.
Self Regulation Tool
Taking the time to practice breathing has been a game changer for me. Here's another simple yet powerful breathing practice to initiate you into the world of nervous system regulation:
The 4-4-4-4 Box Breath:
1. Find a quiet space, sit or lie down comfortably.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of 4.
3. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
4. Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth for a count of 4
5. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
5. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times or for several minutes if you can. Build up your practice over time.
This practice is a potent tool to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the impact of stress. It's like hitting the reset button for your nervous system.
A few Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this edition of the Resourced Leaders Guide, I want to remind you that in our roles as international development and social change leaders, we stand at the forefront of transformation. We're driven by our passion to create a better world. Yet, as we strive to build the resilience of communities around the globe, let's not forget to nurture our own.
Resilience isn't about merely enduring challenges; it's about evolving through them. It's a dynamic interplay of self-care and nervous system regulation, of bouncing forward stronger and wiser with each experience.
So, as you navigate the often turbulent waters of change-making, remember to prioritize your well-being. Embrace both self-care and the art of regulating your nervous system, for these are the compasses that will guide you toward a future where your impact knows no bounds.
If you want to learn more tools so you can cultivate more resiliency and learn how to coach and empower yourself and others, my Trauma Informed Leadership Training and Coaching Program starts in early October. I would love for you to join me.
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Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.