The Art Of Rising Again
Life can sometimes be harsh and unpredictable for all of us. At times, we may stumble from a small tremor; at others, we are caught off guard by an unexpected event. The plans we built with hope can suddenly be clouded with uncertainty… The paths grow foggy, and our inner sense of direction can vanish. Such moments exist in everyone’s life. What matters is how we respond to them. In other words, how we rise again.
Because standing back up is not only a physical act—it is also a mental and emotional action. And this act of rising is what we call psychological resilience. It is the inner strength that lifts us when we fall, that gathers us when we are broken. An invisible yet deeply felt shield in life. It is less about how we appear from the outside and more about how we reintegrate from within. You can imagine it as a movement flowing from the inside outward. What makes us fragile also reveals our flexibility. Our psychological flexibility is our ability to come back together after being broken.
Psychological resilience is often described as the ability to endure and adapt despite hardships, but in truth it speaks more to the ability to move forward. We have all faced difficulties and will continue to do so—because that is the natural flow of life. What we must remember is this: resilience is not an inborn trait. That’s good news—because it means it can be learned, developed, and cultivated within us.
Our brain plays a vital role in shaping this ability, especially in coping with stress. The prefrontal cortex—the center for decision-making and emotion regulation—works to keep our responses balanced. The amygdala, which manages our fears, begins to send healthier signals over time. Instead of exaggerating threats, the mind learns to assess them more realistically. This makes us stronger and more flexible. Emotional regulation and psychological resilience function hand in hand.
Do you remember how your body reacts during a difficult event? Our heart races, breathing changes, muscles tighten. It’s a natural defense mechanism. But if this state continues too long, it pushes us toward exhaustion. This is where awareness steps in. Awareness is an advantage. A deep breath, a short walk, a few moments of silence… These send a message to the body: “You are safe; there is no threat right now.” When the body calms, the mind often follows. The storm may not subside, but the waves within us can settle. And here begins the act of rising: the resilience that allows us to find direction in the midst of chaos.
Certain attitudes support us through this process. One of them is self-encouragement: telling ourselves, “This too shall pass” or “I will come out of this stronger,” reduces our sense of threat. Recognizing our emotions without suppressing them, and giving them space, is the foundation of rising again. Every hardship we live through becomes part of a new network of memories that redefines us. Asking, “What is this experience shaping me into?” gives meaning to our struggles and helps rebuild us.
Though resilience often grows from the inside out, sometimes outside resources strengthen it too: the voice of a friend, a supportive shoulder, a simple gaze… Sometimes just hearing, “I’m here,” makes the process of rising easier. Small steps pave the way for great changes: opening a window, turning a page, or simply sitting quietly and breathing. These are the delicate steps of resilience in self-help.
It must also be remembered that every rising has its own timing. Some wounds require patience; sometimes supporting ourselves means waiting. Standing still at the right moment, without missing the time to act, is also a form of strength. When we find progress even in waiting, pausing to breathe makes sense.
At times, witnessing someone else’s rising can shed light on our own healing path. We call this the healing power of stories. In this way, we not only strengthen our inner world but also one another. Resilience is both a personal and a collective strength. We can transform together; we can grow stronger together.
The chaos of life shakes everyone from time to time. The key lies in awakening—in how we rise. Strength is like a tree with branches: even when bent, it can still take root. Psychological resilience does not prevent hardships, but it protects us in the face of them. It is valuable to remind ourselves: “We fell, we grew tired. But we are still here. And we rise.”
Because this is not just about survival—it is the courage to exist fully in life.