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Resiliency Lessons From The Chilean Mine Triumph

A worldwide web of viewers watched 33 miners being pulled to the surface following a 600,000

ton cave-in that happened nearly one-half mile below the ground on a barren plain in southern

Chile. Besides showcasing the tenacity of rescuers and the miracle of technology, the miners

themselves offer dramatic lessons inresiliencythat anyone can learn.

Lesson one: Hope relies on possibility not certainty. Shift foreman Luis Urzua practiced

intelligent optimism when he reframed the event and steadfastly refused to give up. Hemaintained his leadership position and convinced the miners to eat only every 48 hours for 17

days. Without optimism, it could have been anarchy in that dark hole. When the probe reached

the men, Urzuas note that came to the surface expressed that hope: We are fine in the shelter,

the 33 of us. This is not a note of desperation but one of optimism.

Lesson two: Action is the antidote to anxiety. The miners stayed busy, continually clearing away

rubble, monitoring gas levels, praying, and using the materials and medicine that eventually were

sent down the shafts. In short, they controlled what they could control.

Lesson three: Play to your strengths. Reports indicate that different men served different roles.

Victor Rojas kept a journal throughout the ordeal and became the writer who sent updates to therescuers. Yonni Rojas used his experience in nursing to serve as the chief paramedic. Mario

Heredia and Jose Gonzalez became the spiritual leaders, with Mario even requesting that a

crucifix be sent down so he could erect a shrine. Edison Villaroel led the group in song,

requesting that Elvis Presley songs be sent down. Imagine Elvis the Pelvis gyrating more than a

half-mile into the earth.

Lesson four: Laughter lightens the load. Surely bringing a load of rocks to the surface as a

memento for rescuers showed a sense of humor. Sing-alongs, as described by reporters, did not

appear to be funeral dirges.

Lesson five: Faith can move mountains. Many of these miners expressed a deep religiousconviction through their Catholic faith. Faith, however, is not the sole property of one religious

group. To have a sense of a power beyond ones human limitations is to tap into a wellspring ofconfidence and courage.

Lesson six: Dont bounce back. Grow through. After 69 days, many of the miners expressed

that they found another side to themselves and their lives. Changed men rose from the earth, men

who vowed to live differently. Whether marrying a long-time girl friend, finding new comfort in

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8/8/2019 Resiliency Lessons From The Chilean Mine Triumph

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family, or advocating for changes in mining operations, each of the 33 now have the possibility

of becoming better and stronger through this ordeal.

So it is for all of us who face events that might seem as dark and crushing as what happened on a

cold day in Copiap, Chile. The lessons offered by these 33 miners might spark a chord to helpmany discover personal resiliency.

2010, McDargh Communications. Publication rights granted to all venues so long as article

and by-line are reprinted intact and all links are made live.

To get your own booster shot of resiliency and strength read "The Resilient Spirit" by Eileen

McDargh, CSP, CPAE and listen to her free "Resiliency Minutes". Eileen is an award-winning

business author, a consultant to national and international organizations, a keynote speaker and a

skilled facilitator/moderator. Visithttp://www.theresilientspirit.comto hire Eileen to help build

resiliency in your organization by having her present "Radical Resilience" to your employees.

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