A particular resiliency framework that has been used for eons is still helpful for us today. This process is known as initiation.
There are three parts to an initiation:
Separation
The young person is physically separated out from the tribe to face the adult world on his* own.
The Ordeal
Tribal elders often set up challenges for the young person to face which, while sometimes harrowing, elicit the person’s Core Gift and usher the youngster into adulthood.
The Homecoming
The young person returns to the village and a great celebration is held to honor his return. The tribe sings and dances with joy because a new adult has joined the village with a Gift that will strengthen and bless the tribe.
Three steps in using initiations to bounce back in life:
1. Assess where you are.
If times are a little rough for you right now, check to see if you might be in one of the inevitable initiations of life.
2. Remember that it’s a good thing.
Even though initiations can be painful, remember that the end result is a new person who is stronger and wiser than before and more in touch with her unique Gift she brings to the world.
3. Give yourself a homecoming.
It is essential that the initiation is completed with a homecoming. Without a homecoming, the process never completes and you must go through it again until a homecoming is provided.