Building resilience in a disrupted world

- We are living in an era of unprecedented change. With AI and technology advancing at exponential rates, we are witnessing more innovation in a decade than we saw in the entire last century. This rapid pace brings uncertainty, frequent crises, and challenges to our mental wellbeing. In this context, how can we transcend our resilience and adaptability and become truly change-ready? Let me share the wisdom that I learned from some of the most resilient people on earth. During my backpacking travels in Africa, I had the privilege of meeting the Tuaregs, nomadic people who thrived for centuries in the harsh Sahara desert. They taught me about In'Gall, their ancient practice of transforming anxiety and stress into calm and excitement. This practice offers powerful lessons for our AI-disrupted world. The first pillar of In'Gall is conscious breathing. The Tuaregs understand that slow and deliberate breathing combats anxiety and instills peace. As they say, just as your breath produces melodies from a flute, it equally plays a significant role in tuning the most valuable instrument that you have, which is yourself. This is proven scientifically. I recommend you try coherent breathing, which is a six-second inhalation followed by a six-second exhalation. Practice this during everyday moments like waiting in the line, driving, or when you feel overwhelmed. You'll notice tension melting away. It's so powerful that I personally use this technique in bed when I have trouble sleeping. It helps calm my mind and ease me into rest. The second pillar is connecting with nature. The Tuaregs believe our wellbeing is intrinsically linked with our natural surroundings, and modern science confirms this. Researchers call it biophilia, which is our innate love for nature, and it has therapeutic effects. A mere 15-minute forest walk activates our bodies' rest and repair mechanisms. Make time each day for a walk, a jog in natural settings to boost your energy and your ability to remain calm. The third pillar of In'Gall is a practice that is similar to our modern mindfulness. The Tuaregs compare thoughts and emotions to desert winds that we can observe, emphasizing the importance of detached observation. Not all thoughts are true, and many, especially the negative ones, are fabrications of our minds. When negative thoughts arise, notice them with detachment, without assuming they're true. Practice mindfulness during transitions between activities or everyday tasks like cleaning up your house or brushing your teeth. For ourselves, these lessons mean cultivating inner strength through practicing these exercises daily, while remaining flexible enough to embrace change. For leaders, it means creating environments where teams can build collective resilience and adaptability as competitive advantages. Remember this, in this age of disruption, it's not the strongest or the most intelligent who will thrive, but those most adaptable to change.