Amid life’s storms, our emotional resilience stands as the strong anchor steering us safely through troubled waters. Dr Prem Jagyasi’s recent masterclass on building emotional resilience offered transformative insights into maintaining mental and emotional wellness during crises. The event was held as part of the “MTEC. Rebuild” program on October 2-4 in Kyiv. In a city where cannon shots and air raid sirens fill the air, Dr Prem’s masterclass could not have been more relevant.
Two flights, Three trains, and 36 Hours of travel to Kyiv tested his physical resilience. Yet, Dr Prem appeared bubbling with energy that filled the auditorium. With warm and affectionate gestures and compassionate articulation, his words refilled the participants’ souls with hope and conviction. As Kyiv moves on rebuilding its devastated healthcare, Dr Prem’s masterclass brought to light the most useful tool for progress: “emotional resilience through mindfulness”. His deliberations left a deep impression, inspiring everyone to dream and create a better tomorrow than envisaged. Let’s take you through this wonderful journey.
MTEC. Rebuild (Medical Tourism Exhibition and Conference): A Platform for Healing and Growth
The event was organized by the UAMT leaders Mrs. Violetta Yanyshevska and Mr. Igor Torskky, stalwarts in global medical tourism representing Ukraine. The objective of the platform is to garner global cooperation and support to rebuild Ukraine’s healthcare from scratch.
Apart from this, one of the major objectives is the psychological rehabilitation of the common people through emotional resilience. Dr Prem’s insights provided practical tools and strategies to help individuals regain emotional stability and inner strength.
Fighting the Invisible Battle of Emotions
While the world remains busy evaluating the material cost of crises, the emotional toll goes unnoticed. We tend to forget that it is the sound human mind and thoughts that will be the cornerstone of ‘Rebuild’ efforts. If the mind remains overwhelmed and crumbled, meaningful actions become nearly impossible.
Dr Prem’s insights into mindfulness and emotional power-building helped participants reflect deeply on their thoughts and emotions and find ways to maneuver them.
Why Emotional Wellness Matters in Uncertain Times?
Research shows that 80-90% of physical illnesses are tied to stress and emotional unwellness. Dr Prem’s explanation of how we perceive emotional challenges during uncertain times was eye-opening and transformative. He broke myths and uncovered truths with real-life examples leaving participants amazed.
Through lucid articulation and relatable anecdotes, Dr Prem demonstrated simple strategies to nurture emotional well-being that not only prevent mental disorders but empower us to face adversities with confidence. His explanation of micro-emotions was interesting, something we seldom care about. These fleeting emotions can be powerful leading to impulsive reactions that we might regret later. He showed how to recognize these emotions, detach from them, and respond rationally. The more you can manage these emotions, the better is your emotional resilience.
How Mindfulness Practices Enhance Emotional Resilience
The heart of Dr Prem’s Masterclass on Emotional Resilience was Mindfulness, a simple habit with a powerful impact. It is the practice to be in the present moment. When we are in the whirlpool of chaos and turbulence, mindfulness gives us the clarity to make the right choices. Dr Prem demonstrated mindfulness doesn’t require a temple or an hour of meditation. It begins with something as simple as your breath.
In the prolonged session, Dr Prem guided the audience through breathing exercises teaching them to slow down breathing to calm the mind and refocus attention. He showed how controlled breathing activates senses – touch, hearing, and sight allowing a person to immerse in the present moment. This practice empowers one to have better control of stress and sharpens the ability to make conscious decisions, free from the clutches of fear or anger.
Emotional Strength in Action
Emotional resilience does not shield us from challenges but equips us to accept and grow through them. Human minds constantly fight to accept the reality that conflicts with their existing beliefs. Emotional resilience is the power to shift your mindset from judgmental conflicts to well-thought-out constructive actions.
Dr Prem shared four key principles for building emotional resilience.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: Recognize and validate your feelings without judgment. Whether it’s fear, anger, or sadness, accepting your emotions reduces their control over you.
Detach from Negative Thoughts: Understand that emotions are like clothing, not skin—you can choose when to wear them. Learn to let go of feelings that no longer serve you.
Respond, Don’t React: Emotional decisions often lead to regret. Take a moment to breathe, process, and then respond thoughtfully.
Cultivate Gratitude and Forgiveness: Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s present. Forgiveness, on the other hand, frees you from the chains of resentment, allowing for inner peace.
Dr Jagyasi encouraged participants to embrace these practices daily, reiterating that resilience is a skill that can be built over time with intentional effort.
Empowering Yourself and Others Through Emotional Intelligence
Dr Prem also highlighted another important aspect of Emotional Intelligence (EI), the ability to understand and manage your emotions and those around you. You cannot be strong alone if your community suffers. In crises, EI is a crucial leadership tool. Dr Prem illustrated how being mindful and empathetic fosters stronger relationships and a more harmonious environment.
Through engaging stories, he explained how emotional intelligence could be applied in both personal and professional settings. Whether it’s making rational decisions under pressure or offering support to a loved one, mastering EI ensures you act with compassion and wisdom.
Even in extreme adversities, nothing is truly lost- everything has the potential to be reclaimed and rebuilt. Therefore, the message was simple yet profound: Your inner power is limitless. By nurturing emotional well-being and living mindfully, you can emerge stronger, more grounded, and ready to rebuild a brighter future.
