Vulnerability vs Resilience

It’s confusing to understand how dual elements can come together to create a state of harmony and balance. Yet, in traditional Japanese Taoist and Buddhist practices, harmony often arises from the marriage of opposites. Think of it as the elegant dance between light and shadow, or the serene balance of elements in a Zen garden. In and Yo are the Japanese names for the more commonly known dual elements of Yin and Yang. These and other dual states aren’t seen as conflicting forces, but rather as complementary elements that enrich one another. Japanese philosophy teaches us that it’s in the unity of dual states that we find true balance. We can also see this in elements of the Japanese Reiki symbols and mantras. This understanding allows us to approach life not as a series of battles between opposing forces, but as sitting with acceptance to experience a harmonious whole.

This train of thought brought me to think of two seemingly contrasting states—vulnerability and resilience. Have you ever noticed how these states weave through our lives, often leaving us feeling like an open wound or, conversely, like an impenetrable fortress? I wondered if these opposites had it in them to support our state of wholeness, can we be both vulnerable and resilient, and would we want that? I thought I’d bring in the Reiki Precepts and have a chat with them to flesh these ideas out.

Do Not Anger: The Gateway from Vulnerability to Love

Anger—a powerful emotion that often masks underlying vulnerabilities like fear or hurt. The precept “Do Not Anger” isn’t asking us to suppress or ignore our anger; rather, it serves as a gentle reminder to explore what lies beneath it. When we face our anger and ask ourselves, “Why am I really angry?”, we begin to unearth the vulnerabilities that are begging for our attention. Once we acknowledge these, we can start transforming our anger into compassion for ourselves, and just like a domino effect, also for others. In this way, we build a resilient spirit that not only withstands life’s challenges but also learns and grows from them.

Do Not Worry: Befriending Vulnerability

We all know what it’s like to be consumed by worry. Often, our worries are our mind’s way of grappling with vulnerability. We fear what we can’t control, and then we end up giving our precious energy to these fears. “Do Not Worry” doesn’t mean becoming emotionally invincible; it’s an invitation to sit with our fears and vulnerabilities and say, “Hey, I see you. You’re part of me, and that’s okay”. How does your vulnerability respond? Listen, and learn how you can support yourself through worry’s story.

Be Grateful & True to Your Way: The Heart of Resilience

The key to resilience lies in aligning with your authentic self and embracing a heartfelt sense of gratitude for life’s ups and downs. The Reiki Precepts of “Be Grateful” and “Be True to Your Way” serve to guide us back to our innate wisdom and strength. When we’re grateful, even for our challenges, we reframe our perspective to see setbacks as stepping stones. Being true to your way means honouring your unique journey, complete with its vulnerabilities and victories. This isn’t merely a coping mechanism; it’s a transformative approach that lets us say, “I am thankful for all that life brings because it makes me who I am”.

Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others: The Compass of Resilience

“Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others” is a precept that guides us in navigating vulnerability. Remember, you and everyone around you are works in progress, much like a 4-year-old exploring a vast, confusing, yet wondrous world. It’s natural to stumble, to be uncertain, and even to cry. The path to resilience is not about avoiding these moments but embracing them with a gentle, forgiving heart—both for yourself and others. Let compassion be your guiding light, illuminating the beauty hidden in vulnerability. Extend to yourself the same kindness, patience, and understanding you’d offer that small child. And as you do, cast that same compassionate gaze upon others, recognising their own inner 4-year-olds. When we approach ourselves and each other from this place of soft-hearted courage, resilience isn’t just built; it’s lovingly nurtured.

For Today Only: Your Anchor in the Present

Lastly, “For Today Only”, a phrase that’s so simple yet so profound. This is your anchor. When life feels overwhelming, reel yourself back to the everlasting present moment. And for today only, focus on being here and now. Here’s an imaginary chat I had with this Reiki Precept:

Bronwen: Hi there, For Today Only. I’ve been thinking about vulnerability and resilience lately. How do you see these qualities fitting into the scope of today?
For Today Only: I’d say they’re both essential for fully embracing what each day has to offer. Vulnerability opens the door to genuine experiences, while resilience allows you to navigate those experiences with grace.
Bronwen: That makes sense. But it’s so easy to get caught up in past vulnerabilities or future worries, isn’t it?
For Today Only: Absolutely, but that’s why I’m here—to gently bring your focus back to the present. Right now is the only moment where you can truly live, heal, and grow. Remember, yesterday’s vulnerabilities are today’s stepping stones for resilience.
Bronwen: I teach my students that compassion towards oneself and others is crucial in becoming resilient. What’s your take on that?
For Today Only: I couldn’t agree more. Compassion is the salve that heals the wounds of vulnerability. When you extend compassion to yourself today, you’re building the resilience you’ll draw upon tomorrow. And offering it to others multiplies that tenfold.
Bronwen: So, would you say today is a training ground for vulnerability and resilience?
For Today Only: Yes, consider today as your training ground. Face your vulnerabilities, apply the salve of compassion, and watch how it fortifies your resilience.
Bronwen: I guess when we centre ourselves in today, we’re naturally more equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.
For Today Only: Precisely. Each day is its own journey, with unique opportunities for vulnerability and resilience. Seize them, learn from them, but most importantly, live them—for today only.

The Circle of Resilience and Vulnerability: A Dance of Softness

As we journey from vulnerability to resilience, something magical happens: we come full circle to discover a new form of vulnerability—one that’s not driven by insecurity but by a conscious softening of the heart. This isn’t weakness; it’s a sign of emotional maturity and true resilience. It’s as though we’ve stripped away the outer layers of fear and uncertainty, only to reveal a core of gentle strength. We learn through the wisdom of the Reiki Precepts that to be resilient doesn’t mean to be impervious to life’s complexities, but that we can navigate them best with a softened, yet unbreakable spirit. It is in there, in that downy softness, that we uncover such strengths. By embracing these principles and working with them, we cultivate a life that’s not just about surviving, but truly thriving.