As Ecuador was digging out from its 7.8-magnitude earthquake its security minister reported at least 507 people dead. President Rafael Correa said early Monday that the death toll would “surely rise, and in a considerable way.” But he added a note of confidence in his people — “The Ecuadorean spirit knows how to move forward, and will know how to overcome these very difficult moments.”

President Correa’s comments to his people provide a simple and powerful insight into how the biology of resilience is built into us individually and as a species. Even in the face of extraordinary trauma there is an inherent quality that we possess as individuals and as a community of people that allows us to come together and take on these challenges.

No matter the kinds of challenges that you may face today and this week, know that your resilience quality is inside you and is always ready to be manifested.

© Richard Citrin, All rights reserved, 2016