Beyond Battle:  From Resistance to Liberation


It often seems like there's a constant push and pull between what we want and what actually is. It's a struggle we all experience to some extent. The desire for change, improvement, and progress propels us forward, but sometimes we find ourselves not just wrestling with reality, but waging a full-scale war against it.

Resistance to 'what is' can be a tremendous source of suffering. It's that feeling of being trapped in a relentless battle with circumstances beyond our control. We fight against the truth, against the facts laid out before us. And in this resistance, we often find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward, unable to find peace.

But what exactly does it mean to accept 'what is'? Acceptance is not about condoning or agreeing with a situation. It's not about giving up or resigning to fate. Instead, it's a powerful acknowledgment of reality. It's about recognizing the truth of a situation, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it may be, and allowing that truth to sink in.

Let's explore a scenario where Sarah, a promising artist, struggles with rejection from galleries. Despite pouring her heart into her work, she finds her submissions consistently turned down. Instead of accepting this reality, she is consumed by thoughts of inadequacy and self-doubt. Sarah's resistance to the truth of her situation keeps her from exploring new opportunities and growing as an artist.

This resistance often stems from a fear of what accepting the truth might mean. It might mean acknowledging our limitations, facing disappointment, or confronting difficult emotions. But it's precisely this resistance that keeps us trapped in a cycle of suffering.

Now let's consider Liam's story. He dreams of starting his own business but is stuck in a job he dislikes. Liam spends hours daydreaming about his business ideas but never takes action. He blames his lack of progress on external factors, refusing to accept that his fear of failure is holding him back. Liam's resistance to this truth keeps him paralyzed, unable to move forward with his dreams.

It wasn't until Liam fully accepted his fear of failure that he could see a way forward. He embraced the possibility of making mistakes and learning from them. This acceptance allowed him to take small steps towards starting his business, even if they were daunting at first.

Similarly, Mia struggles with chronic health issues that limit her mobility. She resists the reality of her condition, often pushing herself beyond her limits and ending up in pain. Mia's refusal to accept her limitations keeps her from seeking proper care and support.

It wasn't until Mia fully accepted her health condition that she could begin to manage it effectively. She embraced the need for self-care and sought out resources to help her cope. This acceptance allowed her to live a more balanced life, focusing on what she could do rather than what she couldn't.

Acceptance doesn't mean giving up on our dreams or settling for less. It means letting go of the fight against reality so that we can see clearly what steps to take next. It's about bringing our actions and decisions into alignment with what truly is, rather than what we wish it to be.

So how do we practice acceptance in our own lives? It starts with acknowledging the reality of a situation without judgment or resistance. It means asking ourselves the difficult questions: What am I not accepting? What would it mean to truly accept this truth?

It's not an easy journey. Acceptance can be painful and uncomfortable. It requires courage to face the truths we've been avoiding. But it's also incredibly liberating. When we stop fighting against what is, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and solutions that were previously hidden from view.

Next time you find yourself in resistance, try this exercise: Strip away the resistant thoughts and ask yourself, "What is so?" Can I accept this reality, even if I don't like it? Write down anything that makes you feel softer or more okay about the situation.

Remember, acceptance is not a one-time event. It's a continual practice, a willingness to let go of our resistance and embrace what is. And as we do, we may find that the solutions we've been seeking suddenly become clear.

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