A tree develops deep roots and a sturdy trunk when it bends and sways in strong gusts of wind. Agricultural research studies the presence/absence of wind on the stability/fragility of a tree. Trees planted in biosphere greenhouses and protected spaces grow rapidly but then tend to fall over. Trees growing in open spaces that have weathered harsh drafts of wind over time are likely to stay standing. They are less susceptible to wind damage as they develop stress wood. They have grown pliant and supple. The role of wind in cultivating hardy trees is essential.
We develop robust muscles when we exercise. Resistance training causes microscopic tears in muscle fibers. The body repairs itself by growing stronger and more muscles, known as muscular hypertrophy. Therein lies our growth and physical strength. Yoga, Tai Chi, and stretching exercises increase flexibility and range of motion. Muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched causing improved blood flow by widening blood vessels. Enhanced elasticity reduces the risk of injury. The role of exercise and stretching in cultivating healthy bodies is essential.
We can apply the same principles to develop mental and emotional resilience. In today’s environment of local and global instability and uncertainty it is critical for us as individuals and leaders of organizations to adopt the mindset of planting, germinating and flowering seeds of resilience. We need these to withstand work and life’s whims and vagaries. We respond in distinctly different ways to challenges depending on our garnered immunity and stress resistance.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
After a major life ordeal some people develop severe emotional, mental and/or physical symptoms of dysfunction. They may stay fragile and vulnerable for a long time, requiring psychotherapy to heal and recover. - Resilience.
There are others who bounce back within a reasonable period of recovery, after a severe setback, to their pre-trauma, normal level of functioning and wellness. Their scars heal faster. - Post Traumatic Growth (PTG).
There are yet others who endure a harsh trial and bounce up even higher than their pre-trauma levels of wellness. They grow emotionally and psychologically beyond their set point of wellness. They bolster both inner resources and outer perspectives.
If we wish to prime ourselves to embrace posttraumatic growth in the event of a shock, it will benefit us to develop a richer form of mental elasticity. We learn to strengthen our psychological muscles to become tougher and more pliant. Dr. Tal Ben Shahar of Happiness Studies Academy, Positive Psychology and Leadership professor, and writer, calls this phenomenon Resilience 2.0.
This is also known as Antifragility a term coined by Nassim Taleb, NYU professor, and writer. Posttraumatic growth is an outcome of Resilience 2.0 or Antifragility. Both nature and the human body demonstrate antifragility as noted above. “There are antifragile systems within us and all around us” declares Dr. Ben-Shahar. We can begin to access our own systems by recognizing and attending to these five elements of wellbeing: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational and Emotional. He calls it the SPIRE model of wellbeing. He encourages us to:
1. Create awareness. Plant the seeds.
The more we know about these antifragile systems, the more likely we are to engage them.
2. Create right conditions. Sprout the seedlings with right soil, moisture, temperature, sunlight exposure.
Mindfully involve and nurture our systems.
3. Create challenges. Harden off the plants by increasing exposure to sunlight and wind.
Raise the bar for each of these 5 elements of wellbeing.
By cultivating antifragility “we are twice as likely to experience post traumatic growth,” assures Dr. Ben-Shahar. We need to learn to bend so that we do not break. We spread our branches and embrace whatever nature has to send our way. We endure the storms and stay standing tall. We thrive!