Being aware of your personal “resiliency moments” can serve as a really helpful resource to find relief from difficult thoughts, emotions, and stress. They can act like a “safe haven”, or a refuge, when you are experiencing something that is hard to tolerate. Resiliency moments are stored in our nervous system, and we can re-experience them to regulate our thoughts and emotions. To discover one of your “resiliency moments”, think back to a moment in time when you felt safe, engaged, and connected. Perhaps it was a time when you felt enlivened, deeply cared for, accepted, empowered, lighthearted, creative, or compassionate. It is not unusual for people to not have many of these types of moments to draw upon. However, even if it was just a glimmer of a moment, such as when you are petting an animal or watching a sunset, it can serve as a resiliency moment.

There are four elements to a resiliency moment. These are body sensation, image, feeling, and thought. As you think back to your resiliency moment, look for the element that is easiest to remember and access. Then write down a sentence or two that describes the element (the body sensation, image, feeling, or thought that you experienced in that moment). Do the same for each of the other three elements. Soon you will have a brief paragraph that captures the essence of your resiliency moment. Lastly, give it a title.

When needed, you can re-read your resiliency moment to help create more regulation and calm in your nervous system when experiencing difficult thoughts, emotions, and circumstances.

This technique is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Polyvagal Theory.

They are both designed to help you create new patterns in how you think, feel and act, create a stronger sense of self, heal trauma, balance emotions, and live with a greater sense of strength and meaning.

If you are looking for a counsellor in Qualicum Beach, feel free to book a free 15-minute inquiry call with me HERE