Resilience book helps people face the world’s challenges

MULLUMBIMBY resilience coach Melli O’Brien has released a new book, Deep Resilience, which helps people learn how to reframe challenging experiences into positive ones.

O’Brien became interested in mindfulness when she was 17 and suffered depression and an eating disorder.

“Things got so bad I started having suicidal thoughts,” she said. “I was lucky to find a great coach who taught me meditation and resilience skills. After a period of practice, I experienced a dramatic shift.”

After that, she decided to dedicate her life to sharing these tools with others.

O’Brien said deep resilience is a state of mental, emotional and spiritual strength (otherwise known as wisdom).

“It’s about being able to regulate your thoughts and emotions and act with awareness and purpose, even when life is hard,” she said. “Developing all three strengths together allows you to stay grounded, adaptable and wise in the face of challenges.”

In her work, O’Brien found the difference between people who tip into mental struggle and those who rise stronger in adversity came down to four key skills.

She created the Deep Resilience Method because she believes resilience is no longer a luxury – it’s essential in today’s world.

“In the past few years we’ve faced a pandemic, climate disasters growing in impact, economic stress and rapid social and technological change – on top of our personal challenges,” she said. “The world is becoming more unpredictable, uncertain and challenging, and resilience gives us the strength to adapt and thrive.”

Since releasing the book last month, O’Brien has been overwhelmed by the heartfelt messages she has received about how it’s helping people through difficult times.

“It feels like coming full circle – writing the book I wish I’d had during my hardest moments,” she said.