Sit with Resistance: How to Find Your True Guidance
Have you ever felt resistance when trying to complete a task, follow through on a commitment, or just get yourself motivated to do something you think you “should” do? It’s easy to push yourself past the discomfort without questioning it, but sometimes, this resistance is worth sitting with. Learning to sit with resistance, rather than fighting it, can open the door to true alignment and a more authentic life.
In our busy world, we often believe we need to push ourselves to do things even if our intuition says otherwise. We confuse resistance with laziness, telling ourselves we just need to “kick ourselves into gear.” However, there is another way: a way that honors your inner guidance, your true desires, and your overall alignment.
Understanding Resistance
Resistance, when approached mindfully, can be a powerful teacher. When you feel resistance to doing something, take a moment to pause and ask yourself why. Is this something you truly want to do, or is it something you feel you must do to meet someone else’s expectations? Did you once have a commitment to this activity, but now your alignment has shifted?
Sometimes, our resistance comes from within—a place of negative beliefs or self-doubt. In those instances, we can get curious and transform that inner energy. Ask yourself: Is the resistance caused by fear or a limiting belief that I can change? Or is it a true signal that this action is no longer in alignment with who I am or where I’m heading?
By getting clear on the nature of your resistance, you can determine whether this action is part of your true calling or if it’s time to release it.
Embrace Clarity: Transforming Resistance into Excitement
If resistance comes from fear or self-imposed limitations, there may be an opportunity to change your perspective. Sometimes, simply reframing your relationship to an activity can bring about a new sense of excitement and inspiration.
Maybe you’ve been telling yourself that you “should” meditate more, or that you “have to” work harder. But what if you let go of all the “shoulds” and “musts”? What if you instead allowed yourself to feel whether or not you want to meditate? When you drop the weight of obligation, you may find that you actually do want to meditate—not out of duty, but out of joy.
Resistance often becomes overwhelming when we associate our calling with hard work, struggle, or effort. When we let go of those negative definitions, what once seemed like an intimidating chore can suddenly feel like play. Embracing resistance means seeing if the action aligns with your spirit—and if it does, allowing yourself to do it in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Playfulness is Key
One of the most important qualities you can bring into your journey of resistance is playfulness. We tend to think in terms of “work” and “play” as two opposites, but what if your work could be infused with playfulness? This perspective can change everything.
Approach your tasks with a spirit of curiosity. Drop the expectation that things need to be hard or serious. Let yourself explore ways to do what you love in an enjoyable and effortless manner. With playfulness, you can overcome the inertia of resistance while respecting your true self.
When to Push Through and When to Sit Still
There are times when it might be appropriate to push yourself—like if your nature is generally stagnant and lacks momentum, or if you’ve grown lethargic and detached from your passions. In these cases, a gentle push may help create movement and rekindle enthusiasm.
However, for most of us, pushing through resistance without understanding it often leads to burnout or misalignment. The key is to sit with the resistance first—to listen and understand why it’s there. Once you gain clarity, the answer will be clear: either to follow the resistance and release what no longer serves you, or to move forward with a newfound sense of joy and excitement.
Quote for the Journey
“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” – Oscar Wilde
Spiritual Insight
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This verse reminds us that life doesn’t have to be about struggle or carrying heavy burdens. Trusting in divine guidance means letting go of the struggle and finding ease in the flow of our true calling.
Summary Points:
- Resistance is a natural part of life and can be a valuable guide.
- Pushing through resistance can create further misalignment.
- Sitting with resistance allows us to understand its root cause.
- Reframing “shoulds” into “wants” can shift our perspective and reduce resistance.
- Playfulness can transform work into enjoyable activity.
Actions to Take:
- Identify areas of resistance: What activities or tasks are you currently resisting?
- Explore the reasons: Why are you resisting? Are you afraid, overwhelmed, or simply not interested?
- Reframe your language: Change your “shoulds” to “wants.” Instead of “I should exercise,” try “I want to move my body because it makes me feel energized.”
- Find the play: How can you make this activity more enjoyable? Can you add music, involve a friend, or find a new approach?
- Listen to your intuition: Is this resistance guiding you towards a different path? Be open to changing course if needed.
- Be patient with yourself: It takes time to shift perspectives and build new habits. Celebrate your progress and be kind to yourself along the way.