“Bouncing Back is Failing Forward”
Dear Holy Ones,

Systems theory teaches that all living systems go through a continuous and ongoing process called the Adaptive Cycle. This cycle is a four-part process where the constituent life cycle phases are called Exploitation, Conservation, Release, and Reorganization. Resources are exploited to grow, then resources are conserved to maintain balance, then a point is reached where the accumulated resources are used up or relationships within the ecosystem change, and the system releases equilibrium (or fails!) and then reorganizes itself. All living things go through this continuing resurrection process. If a system can’t reorganize to once again exploit resources, then it dies. The very state of being alive requires failure and bouncing back.

Resilience theory studies why and how some systems release, fail, and bounce back and reorganize while others release, fail, and die. In order to develop resilience, a system must become aware that failure is part of the adaptive cycle. It’s natural and will happen over and over. A resilient system sees failure as part of learning. And thus adopts change as a spiritual practice, an intentional discipline, rather than something to fear. Risk, adventure, change, and even failure need to be a regular part of the journey of life because the only alternative is to die. Failing in order to learn and grow is failing forward into a future of new growth. Failing forward looks like bouncing back. Why do some things bounce back? How do some people keep going? We’ll be reflecting on this throughout the month. Join us on the adventure.

Blessings,

Rev. Tony

Spiritual Challenge for Personal Growth – Resilient Staring

This month’s challenge is a staring contest. Stare at a single glorious thing each day for at least a week! It can be the same glorious thing or you can seek out a different one each day. It’s the “staring” that is the really important part. Give it your attention long enough to sink in. You will know when you are done; your body will tell you. Just stare until you, like Kingsolver, it teaches you joy once again. And don’t get caught up in what “glorious” means. As Barbara Kingsolver affirms, a geranium is as glorious as the crescent moon. Share what you’ve learned through the spiritual practice of “resilient staring” with a partner, friends, or family member. If you take on this challenge, please be get in touch and tell me about your experience with it.

Daily Practice for February 2026 on Resilience

Chalice Lighting
Light this chalice to celebrate the fact that although you have been warned and given plenty of explanations reasons to do otherwise you have persisted to claim a life of joy, and justice; to carve out this time and this space for the renewal of your own heart. – Adapted from Rev. Gretchen Haley

Reflection
“Observing the water teaches me [that] Resilience isn’t trying to hold on to all you have been and somehow get through. It is the flow of water that responds to its environment and even changes its form, yet never changes its fundamental nature.” – Sue Heatherington

Chalice Extinguishing
“The flame is gone, but its heat lingers. Carry that warmth into the uncertain hours ahead, soft, persistent, alive beneath whatever the world may bring.” – Rev. Michelle Collins