Discovering Your True Excitement in Life: Navigating Resistance and Alignment
Often in life, we feel a resistance or reluctance to do something. It’s as though there’s an internal struggle, holding us back. We’ve all been there. But what if I told you that, sometimes, not doing something is guidance in disguise?
Bentinho has emphasized that unless it’s a dire emergency or a solid commitment, it’s crucial not to force oneself into action. If your internal compass nudges you away from a task, there’s wisdom in that pause. Instead of resisting, take a moment. Ask yourself, “Why do I not want to do this?”
Your feelings towards a task can be influenced by multiple factors:
- True Alignment: Maybe the commitment was once in tune with you, but no longer is.
- Fearful Ideas: Negative or fearful thoughts can cloud our excitement.
- Past Conditioning: External factors or past experiences can impact our perception.
Before deciding on your next move, it’s essential to differentiate between guidance and avoidance. Sometimes, our reluctance stems from a genuine misalignment. In other instances, it’s our past conditioning and negative definitions causing resistance.
Ben mentions the idea of being “kapha” – from Eastern traditions – symbolizing a lethargic nature. If you identify with this, infuse a bit more activity in your life. Find something that sparks joy and be more structured about pursuing it.
For the rest, when you feel resistance towards something that might genuinely excite you, consider this: What if the very thing you resist is an extension of your passion, and the definitions you’ve attached are clouding its appeal?
Incorporate playfulness in your approach. Quite a few of us juggle between concepts of “play and work” or “freedom and should.” By altering our perspective and dropping some of these ingrained definitions, tasks that felt like ‘work’ can be experienced as ‘play’.
A Glimpse of Relief:
Imagine dropping all your “shoulds” for a moment. Feel that? That’s relief. Now, from this place of freedom, ask yourself genuine questions about your desires. You might realize that once you peel away the layers of forced obligations, there’s genuine excitement underneath. Meditation, for example, might not be a “should” but something you genuinely desire in its flowy, natural form.
Quotes:
“How you see a task determines whether you’ll approach it with joy or reluctance. It’s all about perspective.” – Bentinho Massaro
Bible Reference: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11