Cultivating resilience

First of all, what is resilience?

Resilience is defined as an action we take to get through a difficult period we are experiencing. Rachel Thibault, a doctor in psychology and occupational therapist, has studied this concept and defines 5 major forms of universal resilience. Sometimes, the same person can employ more than one form of resilience to help themselves during a difficult time, but often they will refer to a particular form that is more suited to their reality and on which they can rely if a new destabilizing event occurs in their life.

For example, a caregiver facing a significant change in their close one's illness, requiring great adaptability, might start participating in a support group to share the emotions they are experiencing, knowing that this could help them get through the difficult period and adapt more easily to the changes that have occurred. If, subsequently, a new change arises, the person can then repeat the action of going to the support group that previously helped them. Researchers agree that resilience involves a process that allows us to adapt, survive, and thrive despite challenges.

According to Rachel Thibault, we all have the power to act with resilience since 50 to 60% of it is influenced by our 'intentional activities'; 30 to 40% comes from our genetics and only 10% from life circumstances. Therefore, we can engage in certain activities that help us cultivate our resilience. Resilience is a strength we have within us from an early age to later in life to help us in tough situations. So, don't hesitate to take the time to reflect on how you reacted in destabilizing situations, to identify the intentional activities you perform and repeat them when new difficult times arise, whether in caregiving contexts or in everyday life.

The '5 C's' of Resilience

To help you understand the manifestations of resilience, we present the '5 C's' of resilience as defined by Rachel Thibault, along with an example for each:

1) CENTERING: A movement often repetitive (sometimes seemingly pointless) like aimless walking to release restlessness and prepare to be present. Example: Indulging in a good book that makes us forget where we are and our current situation.

2) CONTEMPLATION: Activities such as prayer, meditation, openness to beauty and wonder. Example: Engaging in relaxation or meditation with music that guides and brings us peace.

3) CREATION: Activities that fulfill our need for beauty and creativity, even if only for ourselves. Example: Joining an art therapy group where we create works linked to our daily life that allow us to reflect on our role as caregivers.

4) CONTRIBUTION: Activities that allow us to give back, be productive and valued citizens. Example: Volunteering in a field that excites us, helps us flourish, and gives us a feeling of usefulness or recognition.

5) COMMUNION: Activities that strengthen our sense of belonging, feeling connected to life. Example: Being part of a support group with other caregivers that allows us to normalize certain emotions we experience.

Your turn...

To observe how resilience might manifest within you, we propose completing the following sentences as intuitively as possible:

I practice centering when I...

I practice contemplation when I...

I create when I...

I feel I'm giving back when I...

I feel a sense of belonging to life when I...