Understand Resistance, What's the Message?

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

I used to deny my resistant feelings and push them away as I felt the discomfort, but today, when something is nudging me from inside, it raises my awareness. Then I self-examine to better understand what is going on with me. I go into reflection mode to ask myself a lot of questions.

Is something triggering me that I need to work on? My feelings may be driven by unresolved past issues. For example, I had a bad experience with someone, and suddenly a new person might remind me of the person in my past. If that is the case, it isn't necessarily a problem with the new person, but my unresolved past is projecting into the present and possibly blocking me.

Another question I consider is, "Am I resistant because of fear?" I can get anxious when pushing forward in unchartered territory in my life. I must work to enable my logical self to surface when this happens. Rational thinking can sort out misbeliefs or worst-case scenario thoughts, and positive self-talk helps me handle anxious situations. Still, it can charge the anxious energy if I am not careful or purposeful.

Finally, sometimes my resistance is my intuitive self surfacing and trying to navigate away from something that isn't in my best interest. I call this celestial intervention, and I genuinely appreciate the insight. It is important not to underestimate gut feelings, so, in this case, this resistance is a good thing.

My work on surrender and self-attunement has helped me navigate such a powerful feeling. Can you share your thoughts about resistance? How do you handle it? 

It is helpful to consider your feelings as messages from your mind/body. Check out the Mental Health Coalition to learn how to respond to your feelings.