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What differentiates exceptional people from good ones is their ability to shine during times of crisis. Their key to thriving in challenging times is their mastery over their inner-self. Such inner work is required at all four levels of our being. Mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. REAP is an expression of that wholistic work. This work has the power to positively affect all aspects of our life.
Resilience: At the mental level, it’s about building the right mindset. It’s about overcoming our fears and doubts and building confidence, positivity and resilience. Our mindset is a function of our deep-seated beliefs. These beliefs dictate how we think, feel and act. To create a resilient mindset, we need to closely examine our underlying beliefs.
For example, in the current crisis, if you strongly believe that your life will never be same again, you are bound to feel anxious and demotivated. If you could only embrace some alternate beliefs, you will feel and act differently. The belief that learning from setbacks can help you become stronger, resilient and more determined.
Equanimity: At the emotional level, it’s about building an anchor of inner stillness and equanimity.
So, volatility and uncertainty around us doesn’t easily affect us. For this, we need to be more open to possibilities and not be attached to specific outcomes. Whether this crisis will last six months or eighteen; whether you will meet some of your loved ones soon or in a while; or whether you will move into the new house you had planned for this year or not. To build this, what you need is a structured and regular reflective practice. Some quiet time in solitude to connect within.
Agility: At the physical dimension, it’s about our prioritisation and agility towards effectively managing time. Whatever you pay attention to will grow in your life. Focus on exercise and nutrition, you will become healthier; focus on meditation, you will become calmer. It is important at all times in our life, but more so in times of crisis. During such times, we usually become reactive and distracted. Instead, we need to take charge and proactively focus on the most important priorities. We also need self-discipline in maintaining our personal balance and well-being so we don’t burn out from crisis. Purpose: At the spiritual level, it’s about connecting with our deepest motivations and a higher purpose. Crisis can be a critical inflexion point in our life.
By Rajiv Vij