Resonance, Reflection, and Resilience (The 3 Rs)

By Gary Shunk

One definition of the word resonance is the ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions. Resonance is something I experienced during the Process and very frequently at Hoffman grad groups, teleclasses, or in sharing with my flock. I listen to someone sharing their experience from an open, honest, vulnerable, and authentic place within themselves and it will strike a chord in my being. It echoes within me.

Resonance

What does this tell me? It tells me that we all have relatable experiences. It tells me that I am not alone. I am not all that different. And that I am where I need to be at that time and place. I find it to be such a rewarding feeling. I found during the Process that I learned a great deal listening to others share. Being present, truly listening, and honoring what others have to say. It encouraged me to be open, honest, vulnerable, and authentic as well. That was one of my big goals heading into the Process.

Reflection

Reflection is defined as serious thought or consideration. Resonance tells me it is time to reflect upon my life in that very moment. Taking time for reflection is especially important. The Hoffman Process gave me plenty of time to reflect, daily. Reflecting upon who I am, on what patterns am I basing my life.

Over the past several weeks I found myself becoming very frustrated over big things and ridiculously small things. Stupid pandemic! This pen is out of ink! Where did I put my keys? Why are the dishes in the drying rack stacked this way? I often placed the blame on others. I often placed the blame on myself. I found myself too busy to practice any of the Hoffman tools. Too distracted is closer to the truth of it.

Then I read the recent blog post titled Owning Our Fate. Fate! I do not believe in fate! My frustration leaked out at it. Yet I read the blog because I have respect for the author. She expressed her frustrations, lack of control brought on by the pandemic. Then she expressed getting back to the basics. Practicing the tools learned at the Process. This resonated with me. Even though her recent experiences and mine were not identical, it struck a chord in me. Resonance. I reflected upon my Hoffman experience and the changes it brought me to.

Resilience

Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. In my case, to recover from frustration and the left road. Since reading the blog, I have again started using the tools I learned at the Process. I attended a grad group. I began journaling again. My frustrations have been stomped.

Resonance led to Reflection, which led to Resilience. I believe the three might just go hand in hand in hand. Thank you, Shawn.