The Art of Resiliency

In Vietnamese, we refer to the elements of Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage and Human Harmony. We can describe Heavenly Timing as our destiny. Sometimes a certain event happens precisely at this moment, not earlier or later. As we reflect back to many instances that have already occurred in our lifetime, we can see that these moments happened with “perfect timing,” or perhaps were predestined. We can define the Earthly Advantage as the Environment. This is the condition or scenario where an event takes place. Another way of illustrating this point would be in a situation when all three elements are aligned. You would find yourself at the right time, in the right place, and with the right people. Additionally, since you are fully aware of this alignment you would send out an energy signal, whether it is in the form of a thought, word or deed. It will be very powerful because the energy transmission, or conversion, will be completed. For example, you plan to do something and so you open your mind to wait for the alignment of the Heaven–Earth–Human elements. When you know it is the right time, in the right place, and with the right people, you carry out the plan and are confident that it will be accomplished. Finally, we can draw a comparison between Human Harmony and the Mind. In this context, we are talking about the collective mindset of the whole group as everybody agrees and works together. I have gone through a path on my life journey and finally discovered that one of the primary purposes of life is to reach the full capacity of the God-Presence Attribute or GPA within each human being. We are made in God's image, and each one is supposed to have the GPA within oneself. At one point in the past, our ancestors had a high level of GPA because they were living in harmony with nature. But as we had technological advancements, we became very dependent on these devices and gradually our GPA level went down drastically. As a result, we lost our faith and purpose. Now, we are easily depressed or hopeless when we encountered difficult trials or problems. It is very important to remind ourselves of the GPA and focus on its development. GOLD'S GYM STORY After my car accident in 1990, the doctor said it would take many years later for me to really feel the impact of the injury. About five or six years later I began to have the constant pain on my neck and lower back. I have learned and practiced meditation to help myself. I also received the doctor's advice to watch my diet because the excess weight may cause more damage to my joints and bones since I was already injured. It was by fate that my brother-in-law happened to join the Gold's Gym nearby and he gave me an offer to sign-up in the family membership. I have been a member for more than ten years now. Each day I make an effort to come in to do light exercise with push-ups, sit-ups, stretching and meditation in the dry sauna. After the overnight shift, on my way home I usually stop by the gym to exercise and meditate in the sauna. By the time I arrive home, I have already finished my daily exercise and had a nice shower. Several days ago we had a snow storm, and most people stayed home. A day after the storm, when I entered the gym on my way home from work, the staff member greeted me and said, "We're glad you can make it!" At first, I did not think much about this because it was something we have heard many times. However, during the meditation in the sauna I suddenly received this wonderful thought. I can imagine the gym as an area or zone that has a special level of atmosphere in which each person must have a certain capacity to enter. First of all, you should have a mindset to improve your health and it would be the driving force that brings you to the gym. Secondly, you should have the discipline to set the priorities and bring yourself to the gym. Thirdly, you should have the determination or motivation to overcome all the distractions or negative feelings and come regularly. In general, you can come to the gym when you are healthy. Otherwise, you would be too sick to leave your house, or in some cases you could not go because of the painful injury or serious wound. Usually, the collective mindsets and conditions at the gym are positive since most people have a common goal of being healthy. The ones who come here are either the regular members who already developed their workout routines, or the beginners who wanted to improve their overall health. At the gym, the members often encourage or support one another to stay on the path. Just imagine you are here among the elderly members from the age group between sixty to eighty years old who are still active, happy and healthy. Their presence and perseverance will definitely motivate you.