I have been reading Elie Wiesel’s Night once again and am struck by Mr. Wiesel’s ability to move past what were most certainly evils beyond comprehension. His capacity to find purpose and strength while living a full and productive life, was truly remarkable.  Mr. Wiesel never forgot what happened to him, and wrote quite eloquently about the camps leaving a valuable historical artifact for generations to come. What then allowed him to wake up each morning and approach the day with renewed optimism? The single most important character trait I believe Mr. Wiesel possessed was resilience, the capacity to recover and move on from difficulties. He obviously made a conscience decision to live wholeheartedly, while still bearing the weight and scars of his experiences.  Painful memories do not just go away, they only fade with time.  I can only imagine what may have haunted him throughout his life.   

 

“I pray to the God within me that He will give me the strength to ask Him the right questions.”

― Elie Wiesel, Night

 

How do we transfer this model of resilience and utilize it in our own lives? Further, have you ever meet someone that seemed stuck in reverse, unable to move past a traumatic series of events or to leave behind what has not served them?  It is difficult lending support to someone in this position knowing that they alone are in control of their destiny; they alone have the power to move forward, but for some reason do not. The justifications for this puzzling behavior are many, but lack of resilience is absolutely one possible factor

My personal belief is that resilience is seeded in the belief that there is a Divine power with us at all times. This provides strength when we have none, hope when we no longer see the light and comfort in the darkest of times.  For me, resilience is integrated with my faith and it seems that for Mr. Wiesel this may also have been the case. Faith does not mean blindly accepting difficulties, rather it is standing up to these challenges whatever they may be, while still holding on to the belief of Divine support.  This does not in any way mean I believe that these evils are all a part of a larger plan or purpose.  I simply believe that given whatever circumstances one befalls in life, we are supported by a love that is greater than the environment that surrounds us.

 

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

-Helen Keller

 

Resilience is demonstrated most beautifully when making the choice to move towards love rather than dwell in darkness. It sounds simple, but in practice it can be excruciatingly difficult. Faced with atrocities that are beyond anything one could imagine, it takes great character to look for and see the light. It also takes great determination and willpower to consciously decide to show up each day with optimism. What we can learn from people such as Mr. Wiesel, Helen Keller and many of the great mystics is that it is not if one will experience darkness in life, it is when. Obviously some have seen far more heartbreak and sadness than others, but the true measure of resilience still lies in one’s ability to rise above a circumstance no matter how bleak.

 

“When I stopped to take a breath, I noticed I had wings.”

― Jodi Livon

 

The study of mysticism has been pivotal in my understanding of this.  By viewing my “darkness” through the eyes of those that have suffered before me, I begin to see a pathway forward, a way to find some peace in the moment and in the process. I have discovered my resilience and call upon it often, knowing that I am well supported no matter how awful I may feel.  Having had a number of experiences that could have knocked me to my knees, I find myself still standing and hopeful that today will be yet another beautiful day.