O is for Obstacles (Secondary)

Unstoppable Force wtm Immovable Object…

Life is full of obstacles and opportunities, difficulties and choices. The key to developing resilience when we face obstacles is to develop what’s called ‘agency’ - that amazing ability to bounce back, to pick ourselves up, to make fierce choices about what’s important to us & to be kind & patient with ourselves and others

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Yet if we can engage our thinking brain, our pre-frontal cortex, we can take initiative and direct our life around, over or through the obstacle rather than getting stopped in our path by it. Here’s some ways to do just that:

1. Sometimes when we’re determined, when we know what’s really important to us, we get in touch with something that’s really fierce & wild. We’re not talking about being mean or violent but more about a survival instinct that keeps us going when we’re faced with obstacles or setbacks. So how about ask yourself, what experience have you had of being fierce, of being strong? Perhaps you stood up for someone? Perhaps you handled an emergency? Perhaps you had a difficult experience that you came through? Ask yourself, how can I draw on these experiences right now, how can I bring some fierce strength to what’s standing in my way?

2. When we face obstacles, it’s important that we appreciate just how strong we already are! And it’s also important that we look after ourselves by eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, exercising regularly,. Ask yourself, how can I look after myself while I face this obstacle, what simple easy ways can I support myself just now? What can I do today to help myself stay strong?

3. Finally, if the obstacle is really limiting your choices, try developing your inner choices instead with this simple mindfulness practice.

Firstly, Recognise the obstacle that’s here - what is it and how can we welcome it? Secondly, how can we Allow any emotions that we’re feeling to be here, be curious about how this feels? And thirdly, how can we Allow or bring kindness to our experience, everyone faces obstacles every now & then, how can we be brave and kind with ourselves PS this takes practice so go gently with yourselves

FINAL TAKE

Some things are there to try us… but we can mostly overcome obstacles by being focused, calm and recognising what the situation we are faced with is actually all about.

“ eeling lost and helpless can lead to our brain’s most primitive system kicking in. This means that we’re more likely to want to fight/flight or freeze our way through the obstacle that’s in our path”

— science an' stuff

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The not-so-small small print

There is none! Simply return to this part of the website daily to get the next part of this program. No payment or subscription required. This is a resource we are sharing with all of you through the website and aiming to help our youngsters, in the various stages of their lives. This program contains information and practices that are aimed for two different age groups and we intend to mostly post the primary level information in the morning and the secondary level in the afternoon. Please leave us a comment and let us know how you are getting on or get in touch if you require additional support. If you want to be notified of new content, courses and free resources subscribe to our mailing list.

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