by Linda-Ann Stewart
Resistance to change is a normal part of being human. It’s
natural, even if what you’re resisting is the very thing you need to do for
your progress, health and happiness. Most people don’t like their status quo disrupted
or to be forced out of their comfort zone. But change is the order of the
universe, and resisting it just brings frustration and suffering. The Universe is trying to move you forward, while you’re
holding yourself back.
There’s a saying that, “What you resist,
persists.” This means that the energy that you’re putting into resisting
makes the undesired change become stronger. It’s like a tug-o-war. You’re
putting all your attention into not being pulled from your spot, which means
you aren’t thinking of alternatives. What if you let go of the rope, and
started considering how to turn the situation to your advantage? This allows you to get into the flow of the Universe, rather
than trying to block it.
Learn from Your
Resistance
You resist whenever you procrastinate, use busy work to
avoid doing something else, are confused, or refuse to commit to a decision.
Generally, resistance is fear based. You’re afraid of the loss, unknown,
discomfort, or difficulty that you think change will bring. But when you resist
moving forward, you close down opportunities and possibilities. Also, the Law of Attraction can’t be creative and bring you
your desires.
There are lessons to be learned from resistance. The way you
resist shows how you sabotage yourself and hold yourself back. If you recognize
how you do that, you can then address those issues. This allows you to make the
transition easier from where you are to where you want to be. It opens the channels for Universal good to flow to you.
Ways You Resist
1. You’re rebelling. When
you’re forced to do something you don’t really want to, even if it’s in your
best interests, resistance becomes rebellion. You think that rebelling puts you
in control, but the opposite is true. If you’re rebelling, you’re handing over
control to the opposition.
For instance, many smokers use cigarettes as a way to rebel,
and resist quitting for that reason. This is true even when they know smoking
is hurting them. One way to turn that attitude around is to rebel against cigarettes,
which will turn the negative habit of smoking into a healthy behavior. Using that
idea, how could you use your rebellion for your benefit?
2. Most people
dislike being told what they “should” do. Or they feel guilty
when they don’t live according to what they think they “ought to” do.
Generally, instead of being compliant, they avoid those injunctions, even if
it’s what they want for themselves.
For instance, you know you “should” exercise for
your health. You whip yourself for not doing so, but it’s easier to just sit on
the couch. Or you know eating less sugar is better for you, but it’s much more
satisfying to indulge. You may feel guilty about your behavior, but you still
repeat the negative activity. Instead of “shoulding” on yourself,
focus on the benefits you’d receive by taking the action you’ve been ignoring.
3. Denial can be a
coping strategy when there’s been a significant loss. It gives you time to
absorb and process what’s happened, prior to adjusting to the change. But if you
use this strategy in your everyday life, it will sabotage you at every level. You
resent what’s necessary, and pretend that it doesn’t matter. But when you
ignore a necessary step or action, it blocks what you’re trying to accomplish.
For instance, if you want to lose weight, but reject that
you need to eat less. No matter what you do, you’ll not be able to achieve your
ideal weight. A business person who thinks they can keep all the details of
dozens of orders their orders in their head will have a hard time meeting
deadlines and being successful. Before you can move forward, you have to accept
reality and what is necessary. Instead of being dismissive, shift your attitude
to it being your choice to take your next steps.
How do you normally resist moving forward? Learn this and it
will give you important information so you know when life is pushing you to
change and when you’re combating change. When you encounter resistance, dig
into your motivation and focus on what you really want. When you shift your
attention from resisting change to embracing the benefits it will bring, you’ll
be able to adjust your course and make progress.
Affirmation:
The Universe wants the best for me. I’m willing to make whatever changes are necessary to open up to greater joy, health and abundance. I recognize when I’m resisting my good, and choose a better course. I’m Divinely guided to make the wisest decisions for my highest good.
Watch the complementary video, Meditation to Learn from Your Resistance to Change.
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