My Resistance Is Flaring Up

June 4, 2023

I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve been in a state of resistance for some time now.

I am aware of it, which is different from the older versions of myself.

So that’s growth.

Yet, the resistance remains 

And recently, I caught a deeper nuance.

Not only have I been in resistance. I’ve been in resistance to my resistance. I’ve been pushing against what is occurring.

Buddhists call this the second arrow.

Meaning, being struck by an arrow is painful, but being struck by a second arrow is even more painful.

When we find ourselves in resistance, the invitation is to call acceptance forward. When we invite acceptance (we are not necessarily accepting the “thing” we are in resistance to) we are accepting that we are experiencing resistance.

I think this is possibly the single most important lesson my kids have taught me.

We might find ourselves resisting what is happening, something someone is saying or doing, or a situation or circumstance. We may even find ourselves in resistance to the weather, the way our bodies look, or how we feel. 

Anytime resistance shows up in your life, I invite you to consider it a gift.  A gift to practice softening into acceptance, and even if you cannot accept, you can accept that you cannot accept  

These days when I realize I am pushing against ‘what is occurring’ – otherwise known as going with the flow of life – I ask myself:

What is it I am truly holding on to?

More often than not, I realize I am holding onto a feeling, belief, desire or alternate reality. 

The gift of inquiry is empowerment. 

When we know, we grow….. in self-awareness and in choice.

This week I invite you to get curious about your resistance. Notice what you wish to be different, what you push against, or what you are wanting to change in yourself, others, or in your life. 

Then take a moment and see if you can bring just one breath of compassion to the part of you that is resisting. 

This is the sweetest path to acceptance, I know.

Speaking of compassion… I am hosting monthly FREE guided meditation on cultivating compassion in The Meditation Salon. Grab your cushion, some headphones, and your open heart, and join me. Link to register here.

With gratitude and love,  

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher