Lens-artists challenge #331 – Resilience

lens-artists, Photography

The simplest definition Anne could find: Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences. So I am starting with that.

My parents and grandparents experienced the second world war, a tumultuous period that indelibly altered the fabric of their lives. It left marks on them and the generation after them, shaping our family narratives in ways that were often unspoken yet profoundly felt. I know it was not a topic discussed in my family, but you could feel the effects of it in the subtle choices they made, the silences they kept, and the values they instilled in us. My father’s family had to evacuate their home in Karelia a couple of times during the war, tearing them away from their roots and forcing them to start anew in unfamiliar places. This constant upheaval forged a resilience within them, yet it also tugged at their hearts, as they navigated life with memories of a homeland left behind. In the end, their area in Karelia, Kaukola, was also handed over to the Soviet Union in World War II, a historical pivot that not only stole their land but also altered the thread of their national identity, leaving a legacy of both loss and survival that continues to resonate within our family today.

The photos, first my Grandmother at the age of 90 in her nursing home, me and her. the last one is of her with my grandfather.

Resilience, my father’s mother, had four children but lost two young daughters during the war and faced the challenge of losing two husbands. My grandfather tragically died in the war, leaving her to raise their children alone. Despite these hardships, she showed great strength. Sadly, she also lost my aunt and father at the age of fifty, creating a deep void in her life. Her journey continued with the loss of her second husband, who also died too soon. Yet, she survived them all and passed away peacefully at ninety, embodying resilience and love throughout her life.

This Oak tree is named Paavolan tammi – it is about 350-400 years old, standing tall as a testament to tnature’s resilience. I have seen older trees in Sequoia National Park, where the giants reach impressive heights and possess centuries of history etched into their bark, but as Anne has already posted a photo of one of those magnificent trees, I will share this beautiful example from Finland instead. The Paavolan tammi, with its sprawling branches and dense foliage, not only offers a habitat for various wildlife, but it also serves as a serene spot for visitors looking to connect with nature. Each knot and twist in its trunk tells a story of the seasons it has weathered, making it a remarkable symbol of endurance and strength.

The bedrock in Finland is old and strong, a testament to the Earth’s geological history, and in many places, it looks like artwork sculpted by nature itself. Displaying a stunning array of colors and textures, these ancient rocks tell stories of the forces that shaped the land over eons. The intricate patterns formed by erosion and natural processes create a surreal landscape that captivates anyone who ventures through the Finnish wilderness. This natural artwork serves not only as a visual feast but also as a reminder of the enduring power of the elements and the beauty that can emerge from the passage of time.

History – Herculaneum and Pompeii, so much resilience. These ancient cities, buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, stand as remarkable testaments to human endurance and adaptability. The vibrant artifacts and well-preserved architecture unearthed from the ash reveal not only the daily lives of the inhabitants but also their remarkable capacity to endure and rebuild after such a devastating event. In their ruins, we find stories of loss, survival, and the indomitable spirit to overcome the adversities faced in the wake of disaster. The resilience of Herculaneum and Pompeii continues to inspire us, reminding us of our shared history and the lessons learned from past tragedies.

I want to thank Anne for her topic that had me thinking about about my families history, peoples and nature’s resilience. If nothing else these topics gives us the opportunity to think of certain qualities of us humans. One thing I think we Finns have is a resiliency to endure darkness and cold weather (featured image) 🙂

Next week I will host the challenge, I hope you will join me then, until then sunny regards despite whatever the weather is 🙂 in your neighborhood.

40 thoughts on “Lens-artists challenge #331 – Resilience”

  3. Ritva, what an amazing story you shared. Your family has deep roots in resilience. I also liked the nature and history examples you chose. This is a remarkable post.

  5. Your family’s story highlights the sort of resilience we hope no one ever had to develop. Thanks for sharing it and the photos. I love the tree and the photos of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

  6. Beautiful post, Ritva. Your family story is moving and inspirational. And the resilience we see in nature inspires us on our journey. The Finnish bedrock is beautiful.

  7. Great example of resilience and how the human spirit can survive and thrive despite instance and tragedy.

    Love the photo of your Grandparents.

  10. Throughout history, there are many examples of resilience. Thank you for sharing some of your story.

    Great post!

  11. A very good reminder of the challenges our parents and grandparents faced during WW2. Your grandmother in particular sounds like an amazingly resilient woman 🤗

  12. I loved reading about your family history, the silences and choices as you say, that show the resilience needed to keep going. This is a wonderful post, Ritva, thank you for sharing.

  13. Such a compelling story of your family history and your grandmothers abiding strength. I especially love the image of Finland’s bedrock – all twisty and deeply ingrained.

  14. You tell some fine stories here: thanks in particular for sharing something of your family’s history. But the other examples you choose show how resilient so many apects of life on earth are. Thanks for a thought-provoking post.

  15. Beautiful photographs Ritva and thank you for sharing your grandmother’s story. She looks and sounds like an amazingly resilient woman and I hope she enjoyed calmer waters in her later years too 🙏💖

  16. I like how you brought resilience to a personal level in your family. It got me to thinking about how many years ago my parents, and their parents before them struggled through good times and bad on the farms of the Midwestern U.S..

  17. Great finds, Ritva.

    Sad story about your grandparents. Unfortunately, too many people share this experience ☹️
    And currently more are added to that list. 🤮

  18. Wonderful stories of resilience, Ritva. I feel for your parents and grandparents–losing their homes/homeland. And how they survived and even were able to love and laugh again and again. Your images beautifully illustrate their resilience, nature’s, and our ancient civilizations.

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