What we resist persists, or so the saying goes. The dictionary defines resistance as the act or an instance of resisting; opposition. To resist is to fight against, to push back, to oppose. Have you ever experienced resistance to trying something new? I have. I believe the Universe offers us challenges and opportunities for growth each and every day. I resisted having a website for a long time because of the technology involved. When I finally hired someone to build my website, I was committed, I was putting myself out there in a way I had never done before. What have I learned from the process? I know more than I think I do when it comes to technology. New challenges help me to stretch and go outside my comfort zone. I took a leap of faith and it is paying off. I faced my fear, walked through it and stepped into the unknown.
In her best selling book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron talks about resistance to our creativity. Cameron says “Creativity requires Faith. Faith requires that we relinquish control. This is frightening and we resist it. Our resistance to our creativity is a form of self-destruction. We throw up roadblocks on our own path. Why do we do this? In order to maintain an illusion of control.” Letting go of resistance is all about letting go of our need to be in control. The great mythologist Joseph Campbell wrote, “Follow your bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before.” Following our bliss is about letting go of resistance and walking in faith.
What would happen if you followed your bliss today? What are you resisting? What would happen if you leaned into whatever you’re resisting instead of fighting it?
I’ve been feeling very strongly to work on a writing project that is different for me, that is way outside my normal zone of writing and publishing online, and I have been resisting it. Not while I’m noodling over the ideas, but when it comes to actually sitting down and applying words to a screen. Thank you for this reminder. It’s time to find my peace with it and allow it to flourish!
Harmony, what we resist persists is what I have found to be true. Glad to hear you’re ready to embrace your project:)
Excellent post, Nancy. Allowing our innate gifts to shine is what makes us who we are. When we suppress it, I think it only makes everything else heavier.
Naomi, thanks so much for sharing your wisdom.
Resistance has always been a detriment to me. I’ve come a lonnnngggg way in this department, but it shows its ugly little head every now and again. Just the other day in fact. I was forced to buy a new phone. Resisting the change I am, I am. But, no more, not at the expense of my creativity. 🙂
Thanks Kelli, appreciate your comments:)
I took Liv Lane’s blogging course BEFORE I had a blog. I was like you. Wanted to have one but resisting the actual setting up of it. The techie stuff just seemed so overwhelming. Then once Michele got me up and rolling I never looked back. I too am amazed at how the techie stuff while still a bit daunting at times, is so much friendlier than I thought.
Here’s to blasting through the resistance and diving in!
I’m with you Kelly! Let’s blast through the resistance, dive in & see what we discover!
I’d like to think that ‘leaning into’ is what I’m doing now. Even though I’m sometimes afraid….even though I sometimes wonder if I’m capable…I’m saying “YES” to many creative endeavors that I would have said “NO” to…not so long ago. I have not had a lot of doors open yet, but I”m keeping the faith and I’m going to continue this path because I feel the momentum building….
Debbie, saying yes to our creativity can be scary and daunting. The doors will open if you keep showing up and saying YES!Thanks for your comments:)
Part of the struggle of existence is knowing when to resist and when to relinquish control. It’s usually wise, for example, to resist overindulging in alcohol, no matter how much fun your friends seem to be having. Resisting getting vaccinations, on the other hand, is usually a bad idea.
Thanks Scott!