Scientists say that we evolved from fish (over millions of years of evolutionary time). Many fish remain together in large schools. We, as human beings, still cluster together in groups (often, just as the fish do, out of fear or out of the desire to be associated with something more substantial). When one […]
via Group Mentality — Tom’s Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr
I’ve always wondered why we resist what is and wish for things to be different. When it’s hot, we wish for cooler temperatures, when we are in difficult situations we wish for an easier time, when it’s raining, we wish it were sunny. It seems that we want to escape the current moment to rush to another place in life without accepting where we are and what is.
In my opinion, we all want things to be different simply because it is the human condition. Fortunately, we can consciously choose to be less resistant to how things are by realizing there are advantages to being in the moment and by remembering that this too shall pass. We cannot change the weather, we cannot change the way people are and we cannot change whatever painful experiences we’ve had. Accepting what is can give us peace of mind and helps us to cope with whatever life has set before us.
Resistance is fueled by our belief that if we accept the way life is we are giving up, but consider this: “Accept – then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” Eckhart Tolle. Acceptance, is simply acknowledging that we agree with whatever is going on at the moment and looking for the opportunities and possibilities arising from whatever has happened. Taking the path of least resistance is only meant for our benefit, the moment is what it is, why not accept it?
How I dealt with my own resistance
For years, I resisted my true feelings, I was living on automatic pilot and didn’t know it. Then in late 2008 I finally talked about my unhappiness with what I was doing for a living and that I was ready to move on. I tried to leave the field I was in before without success, so I gave up. I decided to let it go, after all I needed my job so I just went on with my life, not sure if or how things were ever going to change.
Then in early 2009, the Universe slipped a surprise into my life. The position I had in a large corporate bank was eliminated. I believe that if we resist enough, the Universe throws a curve into our life to push us along. I was scared and unsure of myself in the beginning so I spent the next several weeks applying for jobs in the same field. I just didn’t get it, until one night after I’d agreed to an interview with a financial firm. I woke up with a massive headache, so I cancelled the interview and my headache disappeared. Not knowing what to do next, I decided to consider random ideas that were floating around my mind. I went with an idea if it didn’t work out, I moved on to something else. I started to flow with the moment instead of trying to escape it and when my little voice gave me an idea that sounded plausible. I went with it. While I still needed time to understand the ways of the Universe, I knew I’d found a way to take the path of least resistance.
How do we take the path of least resistance? Everyone is different and each situation is different, but there are ways that anyone can try.
Acceptance of What is – Inner talk with yourself that whatever is happening is the way it is. (hard times included, they make us stronger and able to persevere)
Consider Every Idea – Allow yourself to be creative, those ideas that come up may be coming from your soul, it is worth your time and happiness to consider everything.
Take Guided Action – This is real work, rather than doing what we’ve done before by reacting, we listen to our inner voice or our gut before we act, it makes a world of difference in the outcome.
Patience – Not easy to embrace, (My lack of patience drove me to try to maneuver situations to what I thought they should be, a capital offense to acceptance). Gaining self-control is worth every minute it takes.
Small Steps – One small step at a time, you’ll know when it’s time to take the next and things will begin to fall into place.
Be easy on yourself – Be loving, kind and compassionate to yourself, resetting your way of treating life takes time, in fact, I see it as a lifetime of situations, attempts and adapting to each situation and how to navigate our way toward the path we know is right for us.
Practicing nonresistance has benefits, we’re enlightened, we become stronger and we can confidently take the next step. Whatever situation we are in has benefits and gifts even when they are so difficult we want to crawl in a hole and pull the cover over our heads.
In Conclusion
Remember that acceptance isn’t resignation that nothing will ever change or trying to force what is to be different, that never works. Acceptance creates a foundation for choices that are inspired and aligned with what God has in mind for us.
Living spiritually and consciously isn’t easy, but it is the only and best way I’ve found to create a life of purpose and intention.
Thank you for reading my post, I sincerely appreciate your time.
Laura
“Of course there is no formula for success except, perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.” ~Arthur Rubinstein
Wisdom of a Woman's Heart 