Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Building "Heart"

"Another esoteric aspect of developing resiliency is referred to as 'building heart' or developing an 'indomitable fighting spirit.' 'Heart' creates a goal to live for and helps develop the conviction of one’s right to survive. 
The concept is a simple one. By encouraging individuals to 'go the extra mile,' a person can practice calling up emotional reserves until they trust that they have a stockpile of conviction and resiliency. 
Building 'heart' in individuals is a preventive public health strategy designed to inoculate against the potentially negative effects of stress and trauma. 'Heart' can be built in sports or other spiritual endeavors."
From:  Carl C. Bell, M.D., "Cultivating Resiliency in Youth" in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

When I read this, I think of Alan Iverson shouting, "Come to Philly!  Come to Philly!"  His team didn't win that year but, oh, did he impress me with the heart he put into that basketball.

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