Resilient Mind: Lessons from a Time of Loss

Foreword

This text was written during the strict lockdowns of the pandemic in January 2021, shortly after I experienced the loss of my father, the end of a long-term relationship, and the shattering of many illusions about society, myself, my desires, and needs. This text reflects the intensity and depth of the journey and transformation I underwent during that turbulent time. This period has changed many of us in different ways, and it is important that we do not forget its impact. I believe these words are still relevant today, as the echoes of those experiences continue to resonate within us all. We all still experience certain kinds of losses; the world remains highly unpredictable, and our lives are full of unexpected turbulences that we can either react to unskillfully or respond to with wisdom. Let these words serve as a reminder of what it truly means to be alive and how senseless it is to live in fear.

The words and awareness below are dedicated to everyone who falsely believes, or in memory of those who believed, that a joyful life can be achieved only through external accomplishments and pleasures.

True joy and peace come from within. They are built on steady inner values and awareness. Without this awareness, it is impossible to live joyfully in today’s world. I hope these insights will encourage positive actions in your life and in your surroundings.

This message is lovingly dedicated to those who suffer from fear, live a life full of survival fear, and give up their freedom, identity, and voice. We cannot expect to gain freedom by giving it away.

Fear and anxiety caused by restrictions and social segregation have an overwhelmingly negative impact on people’s lives worldwide. In this world, we must realize the importance of togetherness, acceptance, compassion, kindness, and understanding. Instead of fostering division and proving others wrong, we should offer help, inspiration, and understanding in these difficult times.

I experienced the feared cold, but my approach to life and death did not change for a moment. Events happen as they are meant to and must be accepted as such. Stressors will always test us, but by asking honest questions and keeping an open mind and heart, we can find answers that bring relief, not despair and panic.

I am learning to be grateful for every moment and to appreciate the miracle of life, connected by breath to everything on this planet.

Life, from any point on our path, is as fleeting as a reflection of light in the eye. The end, or death, will be no different from this moment of looking back. Every moment lived with awareness can be perceived as an eternal, timeless experience.

There is no reason to fear life. Fear and worries are illusions created by our cognitive minds through speculation. Fear lies only in the questions: What if? And what then? The only meaningful fear is realizing that we did not live consciously, did not listen to our hearts, and did not fully experience each present moment where life resides. There is nothing to fear now. Such awareness is only possible by silencing our thoughts and giving space to our breath and heart to experience the present moment, which is inherently peaceful despite external stressors.

In other words, the only reasonable fear is the fear of spending life trapped in our minds, lost in speculations and worries, and realizing near death that we never truly lived. Awareness that it is too late to act fearlessly according to the wisdom within us is the only aspect of life and death to be truly feared. Every other type of fear limits our potential and prevents us from living a life filled with compassion, satisfaction, joy, bravery, and freedom.

If you have read these words, realize that it is never too late to start living. This awareness and way of being may require effort and discipline, but what better motivation is there than a joyful and peaceful life?

And believe it or not, the key to this way of living is mindfulness.

Afterword

Mindfulness was the only way that brought me peace and contentment amidst all the losses I experienced during those times. Educating myself and mastering these practices, and eventually becoming a teacher, was my mindful response to give the best I know to the world and to the people around me. Mindfulness and present-moment awareness are true medicine, and sharing this tool has become my way of contributing to a world that needs healing.