Embracing Resilience: Hunting for the Good in Life

It's crucial to find sources of inspiration and guidance that can help us navigate the rough waters of life. One such source, for many of us, comes in the form of podcasts. These digital audio shows offer a treasure trove of wisdom, and sometimes, they strike a chord deep within us.

I recently found myself immersed in one such podcast. It was all about resilience, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. As a self-proclaimed "binge-podcaster," I often find myself diving headfirst into a wide range of topics, and this particular episode, hosted by Dr. Lucy Hone, truly resonated with me.

What made this podcast even more special was the fact that Dr. Lucy Hone is a resident of Christchurch, New Zealand, the very city I call home. In her insightful discussion, she delved into three key components of resilience and the art of bouncing back after facing adversity. But it was one particular message that stood out and struck a chord with me: "Look for the good."

This notion of seeking out the positive aspects in all situations instantly resonated with me, for it echoed the teachings of the Anusara yoga philosophy I've embraced. In the Anusara yoga tradition I follow, there's a fundamental belief that everything in the world is intrinsically good and beautiful. Our practice is about changing the way we perceive the world, encouraging us to see the inherent goodness that exists in every moment.

Dr. Hone's message reminded me of the core tenets of my Anusara yoga practice, where we are taught to shift our perspective and embrace the belief that we are innately perfect, and the world is filled with beauty and kindness. It's about peeling back the layers of negativity and fear that often cloud our perception.

What truly intrigued me was Dr. Hone's reference to how the U.S. Marines are trained to be more resilient using the language "hunt the good." It's a powerful and concise way of encapsulating this idea of seeking out positivity and goodness in our lives, much like what I learned in my yoga journey.

Reflecting back on my early days of practicing yoga in 2008, I vividly recall the sense of astonishment when my teacher introduced the philosophical aspect of the practice. I remember questioning the concept that "I'm innately perfect? The world is good and beautiful?" These ideas challenged the biases deeply ingrained in me as a human being. We are wired to focus on potential threats, a survival instinct dating back to the days of saber-toothed tigers and cavemen. While this instinct served us well in the past, it often causes us to overlook the beauty that surrounds us today.

In the modern world, we no longer face the imminent danger of saber-toothed tigers. Yet, our brains continue to cling to this survival-oriented mindset. As a result, we tend to fixate on negative aspects, overlooking the everyday beauty of rainbows and butterflies in our lives. Dr. Hone's podcast reminded me of the importance of breaking free from this pattern and consciously anchoring ourselves in the goodness that is always present, even when we face challenging moments.

So, as we embark on a new week or day, let's take a page from the resilience playbook and commit ourselves to "hunt the good." By doing so, we can tap into that intrinsic goodness and beauty that surrounds us, anchoring ourselves in a ground of being that is kind, gracious, and resilient, no matter what life throws our way. In the pursuit of resilience, we discover the enduring power of positivity, and it's a journey worth undertaking.