Overcoming Life’s Prisons

I just read Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela’s  autobiography before a recent visit to Cape Town South Africa.  There were moments in the book, that took my breath away, and I had to pause.  What struck me was the grace.  His extraordinary life offers profound lessons for nurturing our wellbeing amidst life’s challenges. His journey exemplifies how inner strength and grace can flourish even in the harshest circumstances.

At the core of Mandela’s resilience was his practice of “radical grace” – approaching the world as friendly, even when it wasn’t.  During 27 years of unjust imprisonment, he maintained an unwavering belief in human dignity. By treating his jailers with respect, Mandela preserved his inner freedom and mental clarity, demonstrating how our attitude shapes our experience more than our circumstances.

Equally remarkable was Mandela’s unwavering commitment to a truly free South Africa. He consistently refused half-measures that would have secured his personal freedom but left apartheid’s foundations intact. This steadfastness in the face of tempting but inadequate offers reveals how aligning with our deepest convictions can be a source of strength and purpose.

From Mandela’s life, we can draw these wellbeing practices:

1. True freedom is an inside job, independent of circumstances.
2. Grace and openness can transform hostile environments.
3. A clear vision and courage to reject half measures are essential for change.
4. Seeking good in others, even opponents, can lead to breakthroughs.

As we face the  problems in our world and life, Mandela’s example challenges us to elevate our perspective.

Mandela’s legacy reminds us of the human spirit’s extraordinary resilience. By embracing the practice of grace, we can improve our lives and communities

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Well-being Resources

(I’ve come across)

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Memorable Mandela Moments

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On Overestimating Others

Viktor Frankl on  viewing the human spirit with hope rather than cynicism

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Cicero On Aging

“Life’s race-course is fixed; Nature has only a single path and that path is run but once, and to each stage of existence has been allotted its own appropriate quality; so that the weakness of childhood, the impetuosity of youth, the seriousness of middle life, the maturity of old age — each bears some of Nature’s fruit, which must be garnered in its own season.”

I Rented an Old Man in Japan

Funny version HERE

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Stay Well,  Eileen