February 28, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the resilient nature of polar bears and how they can teach us to navigate change, conserve energy, and embrace the unknown. Just as polar bears thrive in the Arctic by adapting to shifting conditions, we too can develop resilience by trusting the process, focusing our energy on what truly matters, and relying on our communities for support.
Jessica examines how polar bears master adaptability, knowing when to move forward and when to pause. The discussion reframes "going with the flow" as an intentional, strategic process rather than a passive response. By adopting a FLOE mindset (Flexibility, Letting go, Observation, Energy conservation), we can learn to navigate life’s uncertainties with greater confidence and ease.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Welcome to resilience gone wild, where we look
to nature for lessons on how to thrive
when life feels unpredictable.
I'm Jessica Morgenthal, and in today's episode, we're
focusing on one of nature's most remarkable survivors,
the polar bear.
These incredible creatures are the guardians of the
Arctic,
where the ice shifts,
(00:27):
the cold is relentless,
and survival depends on moving with the world
around them, not against it.
Instead of resisting when the ice breaks apart,
polar bears let it carry them using the
ever changing landscape to find food,
shelter, and opportunity.
They teach us how to navigate life's uncertainties,
(00:48):
not by fighting the current, but by flowing
with it, adapting to change rather than resisting
it.
This theme is especially important as we face
our own unpredictable challenges,
whether it's an unexpected job loss,
a sudden change in health, the end of
a relationship,
or the world shifting beneath us in ways
(01:08):
we can't control.
Life often feels like the ground is suddenly
gone.
In those moments, we're faced with a choice.
Do we panic?
Do we try to fight what we can't
control?
Or do we, like the polar bear, trust
the flow of change and move with it?
Now we turn to these remarkable survivors for
(01:28):
more lessons.
Just as the polar bear thrives in one
of the coldest,
most unpredictable
environments on Earth, we too can learn to
adapt and move with the flow in our
own lives.
Imagine standing on the vast, glistening Arctic ice,
(01:52):
where the horizon is a seamless expanse of
white and blue,
stretching endlessly in every direction.
The air is so cold it burns,
a biting chill that wraps around you like
a frozen embrace.
The wind howls through the open expanse,
(02:12):
relentless and fierce,
sculpting ridges and valleys into the ice.
Beneath your feet, the ground is never truly
solid.
The ice groans and shifts,
cracking like the sound of ancient glaciers
splitting apart.
Everything here is in motion,
a frozen river of change.
(02:33):
Yet there's one creature that moves through this
shifting wilderness
as if it were an old friend,
the polar bear.
These magnificent creatures have evolved to not only
survive but to thrive
in the Arctic's icy grip.
Their thick translucent
(02:53):
fur is more than a coat.
It's a shield of light and warmth,
trapping heat in a natural insulation system that
keeps them from freezing.
Beneath the surface, their jet black skin acts
like a solar panel,
soaking up every precious ray of sunlight,
while their thick layer of fat up to
four inches deep
(03:14):
acts as a life raft, keeping them buoyant
and insulated in frigid waters.
But the polar bears' resilience is more than
skin deep.
Their story is a master class in adaptation.
About five hundred thousand years ago, polar bears
diverged from their brown bear ancestors,
embarking on a slow,
(03:35):
magnificent transformation that turned them into one of
the most specialized mammals on earth.
Over time,
they evolved into true marine hunters,
blurring the line between land and sea.
Their elongated skulls and streamlined bodies
allow them to glide effortlessly
through icy waters.
(03:56):
Their massive webbed paws
act as built in paddles,
propelling them through the sea with graceful efficiency.
This perfect design has made them the silent
hunters of the Arctic.
Unlike their land dwelling cousins,
polar bears rely almost entirely on seals,
(04:19):
particularly ringed and bearded seals, to survive.
Their hunting strategy is a patient game,
a dance with the ice.
The bear finds a breathing hole, a small
opening where seals surface for air,
and then it waits
perfectly still,
sometimes for hours.
(04:39):
Its keen nose detects the faintest scent,
its body motionless,
blending with the frozen world.
When the seal surfaces,
the bear acts with the precision of a
seasoned predator.
One swift movement,
a powerful strike, and the meal is secured.
(05:02):
But food is only one part of the
story.
Polar bears are the Arctic's nomads,
covering vast distances in search of sustenance,
mates, and stable ice.
Males, the largest of the species, will roam
up to a thousand miles a year,
following the shifting pathways of the flows.
(05:22):
They are wanderers
charting a course across an ever changing landscape,
moving forward with quiet determination.
Their journey isn't just about strength, it's about
endurance.
Polar bears are masters of energy conservation,
understanding when to push forward and when to
pause.
They don't fight the current. They ride it.
(05:44):
They don't swim endlessly against the waves.
They use floating ice as stepping stones,
resting when needed,
conserving their energy for the right moment to
act.
They move through the Arctic like a river
finding its way to the sea,
never rigid,
always adjusting,
always flowing forward.
(06:05):
And then there are the mothers.
Their resilience is a different kind of strength,
one rooted in stillness and sacrifice.
As the Arctic winter settles in, a pregnant
female begins her most challenging journey.
She retreats into a den carving out a
safe haven in the snow, a place of
warmth and stillness
(06:26):
where she will bring new life into the
world.
She does not eat. She does not drink.
She survives on the reserve she built in
the months before.
Inside the den where the outside world is
a frozen wilderness,
her warmth is a heartbeat of survival.
In the deepest dark of winter,
her cubs are born,
(06:46):
small, blind,
helpless.
They press into her warmth,
listening to the steady rhythm of her breath.
Her breath fills the den with life giving
warmth,
a steady pulse of heat that keeps them
safe.
Her rich milk nourishes them, each sip filling
them with the strength they will need for
the journey ahead.
(07:11):
And then when the time is right, they
emerge,
stepping onto the ice for the first time.
They stumble.
They roll. They play. A rehearsal for the
survival lessons to come.
Every tumble teaches them balance.
Every playful wrestle builds strength.
Even in the harshest place on earth, there
(07:32):
is room for joy.
The polar bear is a master of adapting
to its ever changing environment.
Its ability to go with the flow of
the shifting ice instead of resisting it holds
powerful lessons for us.
What exactly can we learn from this extraordinary
(07:55):
creature about resilience
and more specifically
about the resilience of going with the flow?
First, let's clarify the difference between flow, f
l o w,
and flow, f l o e.
In episode seven and eight, I talked about
getting into flow,
f l o w, that mental state of
(08:15):
total immersion and focus, which we explored with
laughing goals and naturalist and best selling author,
Sy Montgomery.
Flow is about achieving mastery in stable environments
where we are fully engaged in a task,
completely absorbed in the process.
It's about rhythm and control,
knowing what to do and when to do
(08:36):
it.
On the other hand, going with the flow,
f l o e,
is different. I'm having a little fun with
a play on words about moving through life
shifting currents when things are unpredictable.
The ice beneath the polar bears feet, the
ice flow is constantly changing.
(08:56):
It cracks,
melts, and reforms.
And instead of fighting it, the bear adapts.
Going with the flow isn't about finding rhythm
in a stable situation.
It's about embracing change
and trusting that even when the ground shifts
beneath you, you can move forward by adapting
to the flow.
(09:19):
So what can we learn from the polar
bear's ability to go with the flow?
Let's begin with the first lesson,
trusting the flow.
Polar bears don't fight the changing ice. They
don't panic when it breaks or melts.
They let it guide them.
This is a powerful lesson about trust.
Instead of trying to control everything around us,
(09:40):
we can learn to trust that the change,
even when it feels really uncomfortable,
can take us to new places and new
opportunities.
For us, this can mean trusting that life's
changes are not always setbacks,
but rather openings to new possibilities.
When things feel uncertain, whether it's a change
(10:01):
in your career,
a shift in your personal life, or even
something as simple as a change in plans,
it can be tempting to fight it.
Going with the flow means trusting that this
change might lead you somewhere unexpectedly
rewarding.
We can trust that if we move with
it, we'll find our way through.
Going with the flow doesn't mean we're passive.
(10:23):
Polar bears are alert and ready to act
when the moment comes.
They may wait hours by a breathing hole,
but when the seal surfaces, they act with
speed and precision.
In our own lives, this means being aware
of the signs around us. It's about knowing
when to pause and when to move forward.
Adaptability
(10:44):
isn't about sitting idly by. It's about staying
alert to the world around us and being
prepared for action when the opportunity presents itself.
Going with the flow
means being ready to move when the time
is right.
The polar bear also teaches us about energy
conservation.
Polar bears don't swim endlessly against the current.
(11:05):
They use the ice to rest and recharge,
saving their energy for when it's most needed.
This teaches us an important part of resilience.
It's not about the constant action.
It's about knowing when to rest and when
to act. Going with the flow is not
exhausting ourselves trying to control everything. It's about
allowing life to unfold and trusting the process.
(11:29):
In a world that often pushes us to
do more,
go faster, and be constantly productive,
it's easy to feel like we need to
control everything.
Going with the flow teaches us that we
don't have to do it all at once.
Life is full of changes. And instead of
trying to control every aspect,
we can trust that by moving with the
(11:49):
flow,
we'll find the next step
even if we don't have it all planned
out.
Now that we've explored the lessons from the
polar bear, it's time to turn those insights
into action.
Going with the flow is a resilience tool
we can all start practicing right now.
So how can you begin to apply this
lesson in your own life,
(12:10):
especially when things feel uncertain
the first thing you can do is embrace
change when it comes
next time life throws a curveball at you
whether it's a change in your job an
unexpected shift in your routine
or change in plans
don't panic.
Instead of resisting the change, take a moment
to reflect
(12:30):
and ask yourself,
how can I adapt to this? It might
seem difficult at first, but practicing this simple
act of reframing
helps you open up to the new possibilities
the change can bring.
For example, if your workday takes an unexpected
turn,
instead of feeling frustrated,
ask yourself, what new opportunity could this bring?
(12:52):
Even in the smallest daily changes, like a
spontaneous
shift in plans with friends,
embrace the moment and go with the flow.
See what unfolds rather than trying to control
everything. As you work on embracing change, stay
alert to the world around you.
Again, going with the flow isn't about being
passive.
It's about being aware and prepared for the
(13:14):
right moment to act.
You don't have to force anything. Just stay
alert to what's unfolding.
When you do this, you can be ready
to act when the time is right just
like the polar bear patiently waits for the
seal to surface before it strikes.
By staying aware of the changes and openings
around you, you'll know when it's time to
move forward.
This is a great moment to bring in
(13:35):
mindfulness practices.
Consider journaling about how you feel when life
shifts unexpectedly.
Reflect on those moments when things didn't go
as planned.
What did you learn from them? How did
you adapt?
Journaling can help you reflect on your responses
and track your progress in learning to trust
the flow of life.
You could also take a few minutes each
(13:56):
day to pause and breathe deeply,
checking in with yourself.
Ask how am I feeling about the changes
around me today?
As you practice going with the flow, it's
also important to conserve your energy. In a
world where we're often expected to keep going
at full speed, it can be tempting to
try and control everything. But remember that going
(14:17):
with the flow
is about not exhausting yourself trying to control
everything.
It's about trusting the flow and letting things
unfold at their own pace.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the demands
around you, give yourself permission to rest and
recharge.
You don't have to figure it all out
right away.
Reflect on how the polar bear uses the
(14:37):
ice to rest and regain strength for its
next move.
You can do the same by finding moments
to pause and give yourself the space to
breathe.
This is where the mindfulness practices really come
in handy.
Taking time each day to reflect,
journal, or simply sit quietly for a few
minutes can help you find clarity and peace
(14:58):
as you navigate the shifts in your own
life.
And when you practice going with the flow,
share it with others.
Resilience is contagious,
and the more we can encourage each other
to go with the flow,
the stronger we become as individuals
and as a community.
When you find yourself facing a challenge,
invite those around you to share in this
(15:19):
resilience practice.
When you can model trusting the flow for
others, you create a win win win. You're
not only helping yourself to navigate change with
more ease,
but you're also helping others embrace change and
move forward with confidence,
and you're strengthening the bonds within your community
or team.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of
(15:41):
adaptability,
supporting each other and navigating the unpredictability
of life.
Now let's turn our attention to the polar
bears and the Arctic,
2 forces of nature facing overwhelming
challenges. The polar bear's resilience is deeply tied
(16:02):
to the health of the sea ice, which
is melting at an alarming rate due to
human impact and climate change.
These changes are pushing polar bears into increasingly
difficult situations,
and their survival is directly threatened.
We love polar bears for their magnificent presence,
their strength in the face of an unforgiving
environment,
and their deep connection to the Arctic,
(16:24):
a land of breathtaking beauty and harsh realities.
And let's be honest, they're really cute too.
Their vulnerability in the face of rapidly changing
world calls on us to take urgent action.
What makes polar bears especially poignant is how
(16:44):
much we've come to know and love them.
They've become symbols of strength and endurance
in the face of incredible hardship.
Their connection to the sea ice, their home,
is so well known to us. We see
them in documentaries,
on nature programs,
and as part of our collective consciousness.
They're visible, and their existence is intertwined with
(17:06):
the fate of the Arctic.
If we lose them, we'll feel it deeply
because they have become part of our story.
We'll notice when they're gone.
Contrast that with the many species that go
extinct every year,
species that are less visible to us and
more invisible in their struggles.
We may never hear their stories or see
(17:27):
their faces, and their loss can sometimes pass
unnoticed.
Polar bears, however, have become a symbol,
a reminder of what's at stake when the
environment shifts so dramatically.
The fact that we've come to connect with
them makes their plight even more urgent.
Their survival means something to us, not just
because they're beautiful creatures, but because they are
(17:48):
part of the world we are fighting to
protect.
Over the past few decades, the polar bear
population has dropped by nearly 50
from 26,000
to just 13,000.
The primary cause of this is the melting
of sea ice,
a direct result of human caused climate change.
As the ice melts, polar bears are losing
(18:10):
their hunting grounds and their habitat.
The ice they depend on for hunting seals
is disappearing,
making it harder for them to find food
and maintain the strength they need to survive.
The challenges they face are intensifying with rising
temperatures,
causing the ice floes they rely on to
break apart,
leaving them with fewer resources
(18:31):
and making it harder to secure enough food.
The Arctic region is actually warming at twice
the rate of the rest of the world,
which means the impacts of climate change are
felt here faster than anywhere else.
This rapid warming exacerbates the loss of sea
ice,
making it an even more urgent issue for
polar bears and other species that call the
(18:53):
Arctic home.
But the problem doesn't stop with the melting
ice. Human activities such as oil exploration,
pollution,
and deforestation
are only compounding the pressure on the Arctic.
Toxic chemicals have been found in polar bear
populations,
impacting their health and ability to reproduce.
(19:13):
Even when polar bears manage to hunt, they
face the added threat of human encroachment
as more and more human activity pushes deeper
into the Arctic.
This disruption not only affects their access to
food, but also disturbs their natural behaviors and
survival instincts.
(19:33):
Some polar bear mothers have even been forced
to abandon their cubs
as they struggle to find enough food to
survive,
let alone care for their young.
The delayed implantation process,
once a crucial survival tactic,
is now failing them because they can't find
enough food to maintain the necessary fat reserves.
The melting ice has become a cruel metaphor
(19:56):
for the uncertainty they face,
a world where the very foundation of their
existence
is disappearing beneath their paws.
So what can we do to help these
incredible creatures?
It all starts with reducing emissions to slow
down the warming of our planet.
We can support organizations like Polar Bears International,
(20:17):
whose mission is to protect the polar bear
and its Arctic habitat.
Just last week, I had the privilege of
speaking with Daniel j Cox,
a renowned expert on polar bears, in episode
26 of this podcast.
He shared his work with Polar Bears International
and the ways we can contribute.
You can take action today by donating, raising
(20:37):
awareness,
and supporting policy changes that aim to reduce
the impact of climate change and preserve the
ice that polar bears depend on.
Together, we can make a difference,
ensuring that these majestic creatures
continue to thrive in their Arctic home.
As we wrap up today's episode, I wanna
(20:58):
take a moment to express my deepest gratitude
to all of you for tuning in, engaging
with the lessons,
and sharing your journeys with me. Going with
the flow isn't just about the polar bears.
It's about all of us learning to move
with life's unpredictability
and finding ways to thrive through the uncertainty.
And on that note, I'm excited to share
(21:20):
some incredible news.
Resilience Gone Wild was recently recognized by DiscoverPods
as the 2024
podcast of the year
and best science podcast.
This recognition
means so much because it's not just about
the podcast.
It's about the work we're all doing together
to build resilience,
(21:41):
connect with nature,
and create a deeper understanding of how we
can thrive
in the face of the challenges we encounter.
We're not just learning about resilience.
We're living it, and we're doing it in
a way that fosters connection with the world
around us.
We couldn't have achieved this without all of
you, listeners,
guests, and supporters.
(22:02):
Your commitment to embracing the lessons nature offers
and using them to grow and improve your
lives is what makes this community truly special.
We're building something important here, a movement towards
a more resilient world, one where we adapt
with the changes,
help others along the way, and work together
to make a positive impact on the planet.
(22:22):
If you'd like to support the podcast and
help us continue to thrive,
there are simple ways you can contribute.
Share the podcast with friends and family,
especially those who might benefit from hearing these
lessons.
Every time you share, it creates a ripple
effect of resilience and connection.
Leave a review.
Your feedback helps us reach even more people
(22:43):
who need to hear these messages.
Sign up for the newsletter in the show
notes to stay updated on the latest episodes
and join our community in learning more about
resilience.
If you'd like to explore collaborating or supporting
in other ways, reach
out. There are always new ways to work
together and spread the message further. As always,
I encourage you to keep practicing what you've
(23:03):
learned today. Go with the flow, trust the
process, and share these lessons with others that
create a win win win for you, your
community, and the world around us. Thank you
again for being part of this incredible journey.
Let's continue to thrive together.
This has been a production of BLI Studios
(23:25):
produced by me, Kai.
Follow along with our other BLI produced shows
at balancinglife'sissues.com/podcast-BLI.
Got an idea for the show? Email me,
Kai, at balancing life's issues dot com. And
don't forget to stay in touch with your
host, Jessica, at jessica@winwinwinmindset.com.
Anything else to add, Miles?
Welcome to resilience gone wild, where we look
to nature for lessons on how to thrive
when life feels unpredictable.
I'm Jessica Morgenthal, and in today's episode, we're
focusing on one of nature's most remarkable survivors,
the polar bear.
These incredible creatures are the guardians of the
Arctic,
where the ice shifts,
(00:27):
the cold is relentless,
and survival depends on moving with the world
around them, not against it.
Instead of resisting when the ice breaks apart,
polar bears let it carry them using the
ever changing landscape to find food,
shelter, and opportunity.
They teach us how to navigate life's uncertainties,
(00:48):
not by fighting the current, but by flowing
with it, adapting to change rather than resisting
it.
This theme is especially important as we face
our own unpredictable challenges,
whether it's an unexpected job loss,
a sudden change in health, the end of
a relationship,
or the world shifting beneath us in ways
(01:08):
we can't control.
Life often feels like the ground is suddenly
gone.
In those moments, we're faced with a choice.
Do we panic?
Do we try to fight what we can't
control?
Or do we, like the polar bear, trust
the flow of change and move with it?
Now we turn to these remarkable survivors for
(01:28):
more lessons.
Just as the polar bear thrives in one
of the coldest,
most unpredictable
environments on Earth, we too can learn to
adapt and move with the flow in our
own lives.
Imagine standing on the vast, glistening Arctic ice,
(01:52):
where the horizon is a seamless expanse of
white and blue,
stretching endlessly in every direction.
The air is so cold it burns,
a biting chill that wraps around you like
a frozen embrace.
The wind howls through the open expanse,
(02:12):
relentless and fierce,
sculpting ridges and valleys into the ice.
Beneath your feet, the ground is never truly
solid.
The ice groans and shifts,
cracking like the sound of ancient glaciers
splitting apart.
Everything here is in motion,
a frozen river of change.
(02:33):
Yet there's one creature that moves through this
shifting wilderness
as if it were an old friend,
the polar bear.
These magnificent creatures have evolved to not only
survive but to thrive
in the Arctic's icy grip.
Their thick translucent
(02:53):
fur is more than a coat.
It's a shield of light and warmth,
trapping heat in a natural insulation system that
keeps them from freezing.
Beneath the surface, their jet black skin acts
like a solar panel,
soaking up every precious ray of sunlight,
while their thick layer of fat up to
four inches deep
(03:14):
acts as a life raft, keeping them buoyant
and insulated in frigid waters.
But the polar bears' resilience is more than
skin deep.
Their story is a master class in adaptation.
About five hundred thousand years ago, polar bears
diverged from their brown bear ancestors,
embarking on a slow,
(03:35):
magnificent transformation that turned them into one of
the most specialized mammals on earth.
Over time,
they evolved into true marine hunters,
blurring the line between land and sea.
Their elongated skulls and streamlined bodies
allow them to glide effortlessly
through icy waters.
(03:56):
Their massive webbed paws
act as built in paddles,
propelling them through the sea with graceful efficiency.
This perfect design has made them the silent
hunters of the Arctic.
Unlike their land dwelling cousins,
polar bears rely almost entirely on seals,
(04:19):
particularly ringed and bearded seals, to survive.
Their hunting strategy is a patient game,
a dance with the ice.
The bear finds a breathing hole, a small
opening where seals surface for air,
and then it waits
perfectly still,
sometimes for hours.
(04:39):
Its keen nose detects the faintest scent,
its body motionless,
blending with the frozen world.
When the seal surfaces,
the bear acts with the precision of a
seasoned predator.
One swift movement,
a powerful strike, and the meal is secured.
(05:02):
But food is only one part of the
story.
Polar bears are the Arctic's nomads,
covering vast distances in search of sustenance,
mates, and stable ice.
Males, the largest of the species, will roam
up to a thousand miles a year,
following the shifting pathways of the flows.
(05:22):
They are wanderers
charting a course across an ever changing landscape,
moving forward with quiet determination.
Their journey isn't just about strength, it's about
endurance.
Polar bears are masters of energy conservation,
understanding when to push forward and when to
pause.
They don't fight the current. They ride it.
(05:44):
They don't swim endlessly against the waves.
They use floating ice as stepping stones,
resting when needed,
conserving their energy for the right moment to
act.
They move through the Arctic like a river
finding its way to the sea,
never rigid,
always adjusting,
always flowing forward.
(06:05):
And then there are the mothers.
Their resilience is a different kind of strength,
one rooted in stillness and sacrifice.
As the Arctic winter settles in, a pregnant
female begins her most challenging journey.
She retreats into a den carving out a
safe haven in the snow, a place of
warmth and stillness
(06:26):
where she will bring new life into the
world.
She does not eat. She does not drink.
She survives on the reserve she built in
the months before.
Inside the den where the outside world is
a frozen wilderness,
her warmth is a heartbeat of survival.
In the deepest dark of winter,
her cubs are born,
(06:46):
small, blind,
helpless.
They press into her warmth,
listening to the steady rhythm of her breath.
Her breath fills the den with life giving
warmth,
a steady pulse of heat that keeps them
safe.
Her rich milk nourishes them, each sip filling
them with the strength they will need for
the journey ahead.
(07:11):
And then when the time is right, they
emerge,
stepping onto the ice for the first time.
They stumble.
They roll. They play. A rehearsal for the
survival lessons to come.
Every tumble teaches them balance.
Every playful wrestle builds strength.
Even in the harshest place on earth, there
(07:32):
is room for joy.
The polar bear is a master of adapting
to its ever changing environment.
Its ability to go with the flow of
the shifting ice instead of resisting it holds
powerful lessons for us.
What exactly can we learn from this extraordinary
(07:55):
creature about resilience
and more specifically
about the resilience of going with the flow?
First, let's clarify the difference between flow, f
l o w,
and flow, f l o e.
In episode seven and eight, I talked about
getting into flow,
f l o w, that mental state of
(08:15):
total immersion and focus, which we explored with
laughing goals and naturalist and best selling author,
Sy Montgomery.
Flow is about achieving mastery in stable environments
where we are fully engaged in a task,
completely absorbed in the process.
It's about rhythm and control,
knowing what to do and when to do
(08:36):
it.
On the other hand, going with the flow,
f l o e,
is different. I'm having a little fun with
a play on words about moving through life
shifting currents when things are unpredictable.
The ice beneath the polar bears feet, the
ice flow is constantly changing.
(08:56):
It cracks,
melts, and reforms.
And instead of fighting it, the bear adapts.
Going with the flow isn't about finding rhythm
in a stable situation.
It's about embracing change
and trusting that even when the ground shifts
beneath you, you can move forward by adapting
to the flow.
(09:19):
So what can we learn from the polar
bear's ability to go with the flow?
Let's begin with the first lesson,
trusting the flow.
Polar bears don't fight the changing ice. They
don't panic when it breaks or melts.
They let it guide them.
This is a powerful lesson about trust.
Instead of trying to control everything around us,
(09:40):
we can learn to trust that the change,
even when it feels really uncomfortable,
can take us to new places and new
opportunities.
For us, this can mean trusting that life's
changes are not always setbacks,
but rather openings to new possibilities.
When things feel uncertain, whether it's a change
(10:01):
in your career,
a shift in your personal life, or even
something as simple as a change in plans,
it can be tempting to fight it.
Going with the flow means trusting that this
change might lead you somewhere unexpectedly
rewarding.
We can trust that if we move with
it, we'll find our way through.
Going with the flow doesn't mean we're passive.
(10:23):
Polar bears are alert and ready to act
when the moment comes.
They may wait hours by a breathing hole,
but when the seal surfaces, they act with
speed and precision.
In our own lives, this means being aware
of the signs around us. It's about knowing
when to pause and when to move forward.
Adaptability
(10:44):
isn't about sitting idly by. It's about staying
alert to the world around us and being
prepared for action when the opportunity presents itself.
Going with the flow
means being ready to move when the time
is right.
The polar bear also teaches us about energy
conservation.
Polar bears don't swim endlessly against the current.
(11:05):
They use the ice to rest and recharge,
saving their energy for when it's most needed.
This teaches us an important part of resilience.
It's not about the constant action.
It's about knowing when to rest and when
to act. Going with the flow is not
exhausting ourselves trying to control everything. It's about
allowing life to unfold and trusting the process.
(11:29):
In a world that often pushes us to
do more,
go faster, and be constantly productive,
it's easy to feel like we need to
control everything.
Going with the flow teaches us that we
don't have to do it all at once.
Life is full of changes. And instead of
trying to control every aspect,
we can trust that by moving with the
(11:49):
flow,
we'll find the next step
even if we don't have it all planned
out.
Now that we've explored the lessons from the
polar bear, it's time to turn those insights
into action.
Going with the flow is a resilience tool
we can all start practicing right now.
So how can you begin to apply this
lesson in your own life,
(12:10):
especially when things feel uncertain
the first thing you can do is embrace
change when it comes
next time life throws a curveball at you
whether it's a change in your job an
unexpected shift in your routine
or change in plans
don't panic.
Instead of resisting the change, take a moment
to reflect
(12:30):
and ask yourself,
how can I adapt to this? It might
seem difficult at first, but practicing this simple
act of reframing
helps you open up to the new possibilities
the change can bring.
For example, if your workday takes an unexpected
turn,
instead of feeling frustrated,
ask yourself, what new opportunity could this bring?
(12:52):
Even in the smallest daily changes, like a
spontaneous
shift in plans with friends,
embrace the moment and go with the flow.
See what unfolds rather than trying to control
everything. As you work on embracing change, stay
alert to the world around you.
Again, going with the flow isn't about being
passive.
It's about being aware and prepared for the
(13:14):
right moment to act.
You don't have to force anything. Just stay
alert to what's unfolding.
When you do this, you can be ready
to act when the time is right just
like the polar bear patiently waits for the
seal to surface before it strikes.
By staying aware of the changes and openings
around you, you'll know when it's time to
move forward.
This is a great moment to bring in
(13:35):
mindfulness practices.
Consider journaling about how you feel when life
shifts unexpectedly.
Reflect on those moments when things didn't go
as planned.
What did you learn from them? How did
you adapt?
Journaling can help you reflect on your responses
and track your progress in learning to trust
the flow of life.
You could also take a few minutes each
(13:56):
day to pause and breathe deeply,
checking in with yourself.
Ask how am I feeling about the changes
around me today?
As you practice going with the flow, it's
also important to conserve your energy. In a
world where we're often expected to keep going
at full speed, it can be tempting to
try and control everything. But remember that going
(14:17):
with the flow
is about not exhausting yourself trying to control
everything.
It's about trusting the flow and letting things
unfold at their own pace.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the demands
around you, give yourself permission to rest and
recharge.
You don't have to figure it all out
right away.
Reflect on how the polar bear uses the
(14:37):
ice to rest and regain strength for its
next move.
You can do the same by finding moments
to pause and give yourself the space to
breathe.
This is where the mindfulness practices really come
in handy.
Taking time each day to reflect,
journal, or simply sit quietly for a few
minutes can help you find clarity and peace
(14:58):
as you navigate the shifts in your own
life.
And when you practice going with the flow,
share it with others.
Resilience is contagious,
and the more we can encourage each other
to go with the flow,
the stronger we become as individuals
and as a community.
When you find yourself facing a challenge,
invite those around you to share in this
(15:19):
resilience practice.
When you can model trusting the flow for
others, you create a win win win. You're
not only helping yourself to navigate change with
more ease,
but you're also helping others embrace change and
move forward with confidence,
and you're strengthening the bonds within your community
or team.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of
(15:41):
adaptability,
supporting each other and navigating the unpredictability
of life.
Now let's turn our attention to the polar
bears and the Arctic,
2 forces of nature facing overwhelming
challenges. The polar bear's resilience is deeply tied
(16:02):
to the health of the sea ice, which
is melting at an alarming rate due to
human impact and climate change.
These changes are pushing polar bears into increasingly
difficult situations,
and their survival is directly threatened.
We love polar bears for their magnificent presence,
their strength in the face of an unforgiving
environment,
and their deep connection to the Arctic,
(16:24):
a land of breathtaking beauty and harsh realities.
And let's be honest, they're really cute too.
Their vulnerability in the face of rapidly changing
world calls on us to take urgent action.
What makes polar bears especially poignant is how
(16:44):
much we've come to know and love them.
They've become symbols of strength and endurance
in the face of incredible hardship.
Their connection to the sea ice, their home,
is so well known to us. We see
them in documentaries,
on nature programs,
and as part of our collective consciousness.
They're visible, and their existence is intertwined with
(17:06):
the fate of the Arctic.
If we lose them, we'll feel it deeply
because they have become part of our story.
We'll notice when they're gone.
Contrast that with the many species that go
extinct every year,
species that are less visible to us and
more invisible in their struggles.
We may never hear their stories or see
(17:27):
their faces, and their loss can sometimes pass
unnoticed.
Polar bears, however, have become a symbol,
a reminder of what's at stake when the
environment shifts so dramatically.
The fact that we've come to connect with
them makes their plight even more urgent.
Their survival means something to us, not just
because they're beautiful creatures, but because they are
(17:48):
part of the world we are fighting to
protect.
Over the past few decades, the polar bear
population has dropped by nearly 50
from 26,000
to just 13,000.
The primary cause of this is the melting
of sea ice,
a direct result of human caused climate change.
As the ice melts, polar bears are losing
(18:10):
their hunting grounds and their habitat.
The ice they depend on for hunting seals
is disappearing,
making it harder for them to find food
and maintain the strength they need to survive.
The challenges they face are intensifying with rising
temperatures,
causing the ice floes they rely on to
break apart,
leaving them with fewer resources
(18:31):
and making it harder to secure enough food.
The Arctic region is actually warming at twice
the rate of the rest of the world,
which means the impacts of climate change are
felt here faster than anywhere else.
This rapid warming exacerbates the loss of sea
ice,
making it an even more urgent issue for
polar bears and other species that call the
(18:53):
Arctic home.
But the problem doesn't stop with the melting
ice. Human activities such as oil exploration,
pollution,
and deforestation
are only compounding the pressure on the Arctic.
Toxic chemicals have been found in polar bear
populations,
impacting their health and ability to reproduce.
(19:13):
Even when polar bears manage to hunt, they
face the added threat of human encroachment
as more and more human activity pushes deeper
into the Arctic.
This disruption not only affects their access to
food, but also disturbs their natural behaviors and
survival instincts.
(19:33):
Some polar bear mothers have even been forced
to abandon their cubs
as they struggle to find enough food to
survive,
let alone care for their young.
The delayed implantation process,
once a crucial survival tactic,
is now failing them because they can't find
enough food to maintain the necessary fat reserves.
The melting ice has become a cruel metaphor
(19:56):
for the uncertainty they face,
a world where the very foundation of their
existence
is disappearing beneath their paws.
So what can we do to help these
incredible creatures?
It all starts with reducing emissions to slow
down the warming of our planet.
We can support organizations like Polar Bears International,
(20:17):
whose mission is to protect the polar bear
and its Arctic habitat.
Just last week, I had the privilege of
speaking with Daniel j Cox,
a renowned expert on polar bears, in episode
26 of this podcast.
He shared his work with Polar Bears International
and the ways we can contribute.
You can take action today by donating, raising
(20:37):
awareness,
and supporting policy changes that aim to reduce
the impact of climate change and preserve the
ice that polar bears depend on.
Together, we can make a difference,
ensuring that these majestic creatures
continue to thrive in their Arctic home.
As we wrap up today's episode, I wanna
(20:58):
take a moment to express my deepest gratitude
to all of you for tuning in, engaging
with the lessons,
and sharing your journeys with me. Going with
the flow isn't just about the polar bears.
It's about all of us learning to move
with life's unpredictability
and finding ways to thrive through the uncertainty.
And on that note, I'm excited to share
(21:20):
some incredible news.
Resilience Gone Wild was recently recognized by DiscoverPods
as the 2024
podcast of the year
and best science podcast.
This recognition
means so much because it's not just about
the podcast.
It's about the work we're all doing together
to build resilience,
(21:41):
connect with nature,
and create a deeper understanding of how we
can thrive
in the face of the challenges we encounter.
We're not just learning about resilience.
We're living it, and we're doing it in
a way that fosters connection with the world
around us.
We couldn't have achieved this without all of
you, listeners,
guests, and supporters.
(22:02):
Your commitment to embracing the lessons nature offers
and using them to grow and improve your
lives is what makes this community truly special.
We're building something important here, a movement towards
a more resilient world, one where we adapt
with the changes,
help others along the way, and work together
to make a positive impact on the planet.
(22:22):
If you'd like to support the podcast and
help us continue to thrive,
there are simple ways you can contribute.
Share the podcast with friends and family,
especially those who might benefit from hearing these
lessons.
Every time you share, it creates a ripple
effect of resilience and connection.
Leave a review.
Your feedback helps us reach even more people
(22:43):
who need to hear these messages.
Sign up for the newsletter in the show
notes to stay updated on the latest episodes
and join our community in learning more about
resilience.
If you'd like to explore collaborating or supporting
in other ways, reach
out. There are always new ways to work
together and spread the message further. As always,
I encourage you to keep practicing what you've
(23:03):
learned today. Go with the flow, trust the
process, and share these lessons with others that
create a win win win for you, your
community, and the world around us. Thank you
again for being part of this incredible journey.
Let's continue to thrive together.
This has been a production of BLI Studios
(23:25):
produced by me, Kai.
Follow along with our other BLI produced shows
at balancinglife'sissues.com/podcast-BLI.
Got an idea for the show? Email me,
Kai, at balancing life's issues dot com. And
don't forget to stay in touch with your
host, Jessica, at jessica@winwinwinmindset.com.
Anything else to add, Miles?
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